What's on the menu, I'm hungry! a comparative analysis of targeted prey types species of Neanderthals and anatomically modern humans, and their dietary breadths

Abstract

1 online resource (iii, 70 pages)Includes abstract and appendices.Includes bibliographical references (pages 59-63).Neanderthals and Anatomically Modern Humans (AMH) exhibited distinct prey selection that reflect their ecological adaptations and resource exploitation. This research examines the dietary breadth of these hominins by analyzing faunal assemblages from 44 archaeological sites across Western Europe. Using zooarchaeological and taphonomy data, prey selection patterns were compared between Neanderthal, AMH, and mixed occupation sites with a focus on coastal versus inland environments. Statistical analyses, including Mann-Whitney U and Kruskal-Wallis tests, were conducted to assess significant differences in prey species selection, trophic level consumption, and prey body size. Results indicate that Neanderthals had a more specialized diet, primarily targeting terrestrial mammals, whereas AMH displayed a broader dietary range, including increased exploitation of marine resources at coastal sites. While Neanderthal prey selection varied significantly between coastal and inland environments, AMH dietary strategies remained relatively stable across different landscapes. Additionally, Neanderthals preferentially targeted larger-bodied prey, whereas AMH focused on herbivorous species but showed no strong preference for prey size. This research provides critical insights into the ecological adaptations of Neanderthals and AMH, emphasizing the significance of environmental context in hominin foraging strategies. The findings contribute to ongoing debates regarding the flexibility and resilience of early human populations in response to changing landscapes and resource availability