Tracing the Ontogenetic Evolution of Diet and Behavior in Neandertals and Anatomically Modern Humans in the Franco-Cantabrian Region. An Integrative study of 3D Tooth Wear Patterns

Homo neanderthalensis and Homo sapiens share a common ancestor originated in Africa. However, both evolved as separate species for thousands of years. By the time Homo sapiens left Africa to explore Eurasia, Neandertals had already been living in the continent for more than 200,000 years. A growing body of evidence indicates that they met and even interbred. Comparative studies are thus of interest on numerous levels. The EU-funded 3DFOSSILDIET project is comparing the growth and development of both human species through their mouths. Namely, dietary differences and behavioural complexity via studies of dental wear, that allows inferring the biomechanics of the masticatory system, will be investigated. Insights will provide clues about social dynamics and our evolutionary processes as a species.