Neanderthal Footprints in Portugal Reveal Ancient Hunting Practices

What's Happening?

Scientists have discovered 78,000-year-old Neanderthal footprints in Portugal, providing insights into their hunting practices. The footprints, found on coastal cliffs, include tracks from an adult male and two children, suggesting a family hunting expedition. The study, published in Scientific Reports, used optically stimulated luminescence to date the prints, revealing the Neanderthals' use of coastal environments for hunting red deer and other mammals.

Why It's Important?

This discovery sheds light on the social and cognitive development of Neanderthals, emphasizing their adaptability and strategic use of landscapes for survival. It contributes to the understanding of human evolution and the role of coastal environments in shaping hominin behavior. The findings also highlight the importance of interdisciplinary research in uncovering the complexities of ancient human life.

Beyond the Headlines

The study suggests that Neanderthals had a broad foraging strategy, incorporating animals from neighboring habitats into their diet. This adaptability may have played a crucial role in their survival and social development. The footprints also offer a glimpse into the family dynamics and social structures of Neanderthal communities.