Why studying modern hunter-gatherers helps us decode our ancient origins

Cultures · Published 25 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: To understand what makes humans unique, scientists are looking beyond the fossil record. By observing contemporary indigenous groups like the Hadza of Tanzania, researchers can bridge the gap between prehistoric evolution and modern behavior, using ethnology to unlock the secrets of our shared human past.

Humanity's beginnings are investigated by CARTA using a perspective known as anthropogeny. Unlike general anthropology, which covers all aspects of humanity, anthropogeny specifically investigates how we became what we are today by integrating diverse fields such as molecular biology, bipedalism, stone tool technologies, and evolutionary medicine. The center focuses on how humans became what we are today through an interdisciplinary lens. This includes studying topics like neuroscience and the potential of stem cells.

A key methodology in this research is ethnology—the cross-cultural analysis of historically documented human societies. While often overlooked as a primary archaeological tool, proponents like Augustus Pitt Rivers and Lewis Binford argue that it is vital for identifying patterns in the archaeological record. By comparing different cultures, researchers can more quickly interpret physical evidence from the past. Ethnology is also referred to as comparative anthropology. It has historical ties to archaeology despite not being a commonly seen tool in that field.

Practical application of these theories often involves immersive field research. For example, UC San Diego graduate students participate in monthlong courses in East Africa to live with indigenous groups like the Hadza hunter-gatherers. These experiences allow students and researchers to connect with traditions, such as hunting and gathering tubers, while exploring universal human behaviors like singing and dancing. The students spent three days with the Hadza during this specific trip. These experiences were part of an optional specialization track available through seven different graduate degree programs at UC San Diego.

This interdisciplinary approach recognizes that our evolution is not just biological but cultural. By studying how modern humans interact with their environments and each other, scientists can better understand the complex web of factors—from diet to climate change—that shaped the human experience over millennia. CARTA began informally as the Project for Explaining the Origin of Humans in the 1990s. It became an official research unit in 2008 and now includes almost 400 members globally.

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