Neanderthal diet at Vindija and Neanderthal predation: The evidence from stable isotopes (original) (raw)

This research examines the dietary patterns of Neanderthals at Vindija Cave, Croatia, utilizing stable isotope analysis of carbon (␦ 13 C) and nitrogen (␦ 15 N) in bone collagen. The findings indicate that Neanderthals primarily subsisted on animal protein, classifying them as top-level carnivores rather than as scavengers, aligning with trends observed in earlier studies from France and Belgium. This evidence impacts our understanding of Neanderthal social structure, land use, and behavioral complexity.