Humans reached Argentina by 20,000 years ago — and they may have survived by eating giant armadillos, study suggests

Humans in Argentina 20,000 years ago may have relied on giant armadillos for survival, suggests a recent study. The discovery of butchered bones belonging to a glyptodont, an extinct relative of the armadillo, provides evidence that humans were present in Argentina much earlier than previously believed. These findings challenge the prevailing notion that the first humans arrived in the Americas around 13,000 years ago.

During the Late Pleistocene epoch, a period marked by extensive ice coverage, early humans may have interacted with megafauna in South America. The study, published in PLOS One, focuses on the remains of a giant armadillo relative called Neosclerocalyptus found in the Pampean region of Argentina. By photographing and creating 3D scans of the bones, researchers confirmed the presence of 32 distinct cut marks, indicating that the bones were butchered.

The team ruled out other factors like carnivores causing the marks or natural weathering of the bones. They assert that the distinct V-shaped cross-section of the cuts strongly suggests the use of stone tools by humans. The distribution of cut marks on different areas of the skeleton also provides insight into the butchering sequence, revealing a focus on the muscles of the pelvis and tail.

The study extends the timeline of human presence and interactions with megafauna in southern South America by approximately 6,000 years. However, the absence of human-made tools at the site presents some challenges. Further research and establishing a stronger connection between cut-marked bones and the archaeological record are necessary for a more robust understanding of human presence in the region.

While no artifacts have been unearthed yet, the study authors remain optimistic about future discoveries during ongoing excavations at the site. As further evidence emerges, it may be possible to shed even more light on the early human history of Argentina and their relationship with the giant armadillos they relied on for sustenance.

In summary, this study expands our knowledge of early humans in Argentina, presents evidence of their interaction with megafauna, and calls for continued investigations to establish a more detailed understanding of prehistoric human activities in the region.

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