Around 20,000 years ago, ancient humans in what is now Argentina may have butchered and consumed a giant armadillo-like creature, according to a recent study. This discovery challenges previous assumptions about when people first arrived in the Americas, suggesting that human presence in the region may date back much earlier than previously thought.
During the Late Pleistocene epoch, when ice sheets covered much of the planet, humans may have interacted with megafauna like the giant armadillo. Researchers found cut marks on the fossil remains of a glyptodont, a giant relative of the armadillo, indicating that early humans may have used tools to butcher the animal for its meat.
The presence of these cut marks suggests a butchering sequence, with ancient humans likely targeting the muscle-rich areas of the pelvis and tail of the giant armadillo for consumption. The size and muscle mass of the glyptodont may have made it an attractive food source for early humans.
This study not only sheds light on the interactions between humans and megafauna in the past but also extends the timeline of human presence in South America by nearly 6,000 years. While the researchers have not yet found direct evidence of human-made tools at the site, they remain hopeful that further excavation may uncover additional clues.
Archaeologist Loren Davis commended the researchers’ approach to the study but emphasized the need for further investigation to confirm the presence of humans at the site around 21,000 years ago. Establishing a strong link between the fossil bones with cut marks and the archaeological record will be crucial in supporting this claim.
Despite the lack of conclusive evidence, co-author Miguel Delgado remains optimistic about the potential for future discoveries at the site. While no tools have been found yet, the researchers have only scratched the surface of the excavation, leaving room for the possibility of uncovering additional artifacts such as lithic tools.
Overall, this study highlights the complex relationship between early humans and the prehistoric fauna of South America, offering new insights into the diet and hunting practices of ancient populations in the region. As researchers continue to explore the archaeological record, we may gain a deeper understanding of the lives and behaviors of the first inhabitants of the Americas.
