Did our ancestors live a more chimplike lifestyle than we once thought?
In short: For years, we imagined early hominins roaming open savannas to find food. However, microscopic evidence trapped in fossilized dental plaque suggests a much different reality. New findings indicate that some of our ancient relatives were actually foraging in enclosed woodlands, consuming a diet that included tree bark.
The discovery centers on Australopithecus sediba, a species of hominin that lived approximately two million years ago. While many other hominins from this era are believed to have primarily consumed savanna grasses, the diet of A. sediba appears to have been far more varied and experimental. By analyzing phytoliths—microscopic, fossilized plant particles—trapped within dental plaque, researchers have uncovered a menu that included fruit, leaves, and even tree bark. This research was conducted by a team led by paleoanthropologist Lee Berger. These scientists identified the species from fossils found in a South African cave back in 2008.
This dietary evidence suggests that A. sediba preferred enclosed, woodland environments, behaving much more like modern-day chimpanzees or gorillas, both of which consume bark. This lifestyle is further supported by the physical anatomy of the species. The fossils reveal long, apelike arms and wrists specifically suited for climbing, alongside a humanlike "precision grip" that would have been essential for the creation of stone tools. This behavior highlights how early relatives explored diverse environments and behaviours. Such traits suggest they may have utilised basic tools to acquire nourishment.
The exceptional preservation of these dietary clues is due to a rare geological event. Scientists believe these individuals fell into a sinkhole in a South African cave, where they were quickly buried by fine-grained sediment. This created an oxygen-free environment that prevented decomposition and bacteria from destroying the microscopic plant matter, allowing paleobiologists like Amanda Henry to identify specific plant families, such as palms, from the ancient residue. The sediment provided a unique environment with very little oxygen. This lack of air prevented decomposition from ruining the dental plaque.
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Sources
- Summary by Intellect · source: Eating Bark | National Geographic
- Also: Human Ancestors Ate Bark—Food in Teeth Hints at Chimplike Origins | National Geographic
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