1.6 million-year-old bones reveal early humans used a mix of hunting and scavenging for meat

Researchers say future studies will continue exploring how animal size, habitat and behaviour influenced the feeding patterns of early humans.

Meat consumption is seen as providing calorie-rich resources that may have supported brain growth, survival, and social cooperation in early human communities.

The study’s lead author, Francis Forrest, states the findings point to a balanced and adaptable approach rather than a strict dependence on either hunting or scavenging, with early humans likely adjusting behavior based on animal availability, predator competition, and environmental conditions.

At the same time, some fossils showed only limited human modification, suggesting scavenging remained part of their survival strategy.

Researchers found evidence that hominins transported the meatiest parts of animals to other locations for further processing and consumption. Bones were frequently broken apart to reach nutrient-rich marrow, providing calories and fat.

The analysis suggests early humans often accessed animal carcasses while substantial amounts of flesh, fat, and nutritious tissue were still attached to the bones, indicating an active and strategic role in obtaining meat rather than merely scavenging leftovers long after feeding. This implies they could reach carcasses shortly after kills or compete with other carnivores for fresh remains.

Researchers analyzing fossil assemblages from the Koobi Fora Formation in northern Kenya examined animal bones, hominin teeth and stone tools dating back about 1.6 million years. They report many bones bear cut marks from stone tools and percussion marks from breaking bones to extract marrow, alongside carnivore tooth marks, which helps reconstruct the sequence of carcass use and determine whether humans reached carcasses before or after predators.