Early humans were fearless and bold. A recent study revealed that they competed with giant hyenas in scavenging for carcasses hundreds of years ago.
Early Hominins Were Reportedly Scavengers
A newly published study provides new insights into the debate on the role that scavenging played for early hominins, including contemporary humans and our extinct relatives. Previous studies have proposed that the quantity of saber-toothed cat carcasses may have been sufficient to support early hominin communities in southern Europe. However, whether other huge scavengers, like enormous hyenas, would have restricted hominin access to these remains is unknown.
A group of researchers used computer simulations to create scenarios in which huge hyenas and hominins competed for carrion in southern Europe between 1.2 and 0.8 million years ago. It is still up for debate among archaeologists whether or not scavenging was a viable method for early humans to acquire sustenance.
According to Jess Rodriguez, a research author with the National Research Center On Human Evolution (CENIEH) in Spain, most of the controversy is focused on how to interpret the scant and patchy data offered by the archaeological record. Without doubting that the archaeological evidence ought to be regarded as the greatest reason to answer the question, their goal was to contribute arguments from a different angle to the discussion. Their focus was on the ecological sustainability of scavenging by early humans, taking into account the rivals and predators in the ecosystem at that time.
It's not the first time early humans were linked to scavenging. Another report claimed that early hominins may have scavenged more than they hunted. While they were known for hunting, some claimed they didn't need to hunt. They could leave the job to saber-tooth cats and scavenge on their remains.
Hunting is the act of killing animals for food. However, scavenging is locating the remains of an already dead animal. In the early 20th century, archaeologists unearthed animal bones with early human tools that were presumed used for hunting. However, scholars later noted that the tools were more appropriate for cutting up bone than killing animals.
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Early Humans Vs. Giant Hyenas
The extinct big hyena (Pachycrocuta brevirostris) was simulated by the researchers. This particular species was the biggest hyena ever to exist.
It stood over 3 feet tall and weighed at least 220 pounds, making it bigger than contemporary spotted hyenas. This hyena was an excellent bone-cracker with a small face, strong jaws, and teeth.
You might be wondering why a single hominid would find a predator that large to be a dangerous foe. According to Rodriguez, by hurling stones and acting aggressively, a group of hominins may drive a hyena away. The fundamental benefit of hominins was their social nature and capacity for cooperation in driving away hyenas and other rivals.
It's conceivable that they used their superior learning abilities to anticipate where carrion would be found. The simulations showed that the hominin scavenging method needed to be successful to sustain an ideal group size.
According to the models, they would have had the most success scavenging carcasses in groups of a medium size. If these groups were large enough to drive away the giant hyenas, they might have been able to scavenge for food, even in competition with them frequently. A single cadaver would not be enough to satisfy a big group, forcing them to spend energy in pursuit of other supplies.
According to Rodriguez, the study demonstrated that the resources were sufficient to support populations of hyenas and hominins competing for carcasses. Additionally, it showed that hominins and hyenas coexist successfully.
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