New Study Reveals Australopithecus Had a Predominantly Plant-Based Diet

Novel isotope analysis of 3.5-million-year-old fossils suggests early human ancestors did not regularly consume mammalian meat.

Researchers analyzed nitrogen isotope ratios in fossilized tooth enamel from seven Australopithecus individuals found in South Africa's Sterkfontein caves.
Findings indicate that Australopithecus primarily ate plants, with nitrogen levels similar to herbivores and much lower than carnivores of the same era.
While occasional consumption of small animals or insects cannot be ruled out, there is no evidence of regular meat consumption by this species.
The study challenges long-held assumptions that meat consumption was a key factor in early human evolution and brain size expansion.
This research marks a significant advancement in understanding ancient diets and raises questions about when meat became a major dietary component in human evolution.