How Neanderthals used a lakeshore in Germany to hunt, butcher and survive
Phys.org • • science
Key Points:
- In 1948, a straight-tusked elephant skeleton with a complete wooden spear was found in Lehringen, Germany, providing initial evidence of Neanderthal hunting from 125,000 years ago.
- Recent detailed analysis revealed cut marks on the elephant's ribs and vertebrae, confirming that Neanderthals butchered the animal on site, marking the most convincing proof of successful elephant hunting by Neanderthals.
- The butchering focused on removing the chest cavity organs, yielding a large supply of meat and fat sufficient to feed a sizable group for an extended period.
- Additional findings include evidence of Neanderthals butchering an aurochs and extracting bone marrow from brown bears, as well as utilizing beaver meat and fur, indicating diverse hunting and resource use strategies.
- The study highlights Neanderthals' advanced hunting skills, cooperative behavior, and dietary breadth, including meat, bone marrow, fur, fish, mussels, and plants, comparable to anatomically modern humans of the same period.
