# Neanderthals: The Surprising Dietary Habits and Self-Medication
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Chapter 1: Neanderthal and Sapiens Interactions
Recent studies have illuminated the coexistence of Sapiens and Neanderthals, revealing that they not only shared their habitats but also engaged in mating and possibly cultural exchanges, particularly regarding tool-making techniques. Despite some morphological and genetic distinctions, the similarities between the two species are striking.
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Section 1.1: Insights from DNA Studies
For many years, our understanding of the relationship between modern humans and Neanderthals was limited, primarily relying on paleontological and archaeological evidence. However, groundbreaking research published in Nature has significantly advanced our comprehension of Neanderthal diets, behaviors, and health issues.
Credit: Mattia Papàro (Cosmocaixa, Barcelona, Spain)
This pivotal study utilized ancient DNA from five dental plaque samples, revealing that Neanderthals had a diverse diet. For instance, data from the Spy cave in Belgium suggests a heavy reliance on meat, particularly from woolly rhinoceroses and mouflons typical of steppe ecosystems. Conversely, findings from the El Sidrón cave in Spain indicate that Neanderthals consumed mushrooms, moss, and pine nuts, showcasing their adaptability to forested environments.
Sidrón Cave (Cañaveras et al., 2021)
In summary, Neanderthals demonstrated remarkable adaptability across different habitats. The variations in their diets have been linked to shifts in their oral bacterial communities, suggesting that meat consumption played a role in the diversity of their microbiota.
Section 1.2: Health and Self-Medication Practices
In an intriguing find, a young Neanderthal from El Sidrón exhibited a chronic gastrointestinal pathogen. This individual also had an almost complete genome of a pathogen, estimated to be around 48,000 years old.
Bacterial community composition at the phyla level of oral microbiota from chimpanzee, Neanderthal, and modern human samples (Weyrich et al., 2017)
Notably, many bacteria present in Neanderthal saliva overlap with those found in modern humans, hinting at the possibility of intimate interactions, including kissing. Given that these two species interbred, such exchanges seem plausible. Additionally, this particular individual displayed evidence of self-medication; the remains found in El Sidrón suggest that this Neanderthal had a dental abscess treated with natural remedies. Specifically, traces of poplar bark—known for yielding acetylsalicylic acid (the active ingredient in aspirin)—and penicillium fungus, which produces the antibiotic penicillin, were discovered in the tartar of this teenager.
These findings indicate that Neanderthals likely utilized various plants for medicinal purposes, as suggested by the presence of yarrow and chamomile, which were consumed for their beneficial properties.
As research progresses, our understanding of the relationship between Neanderthals and Sapiens continues to deepen, revealing intricate details that were once overlooked.
Chapter 2: New Study: Vegan Neanderthals?
Explore the implications of recent studies suggesting that Neanderthals may have had a more varied diet than previously thought, possibly including plant-based foods. This video delves into the fascinating dietary habits of our ancient relatives and their potential lifestyle choices.