The first animals humans ate were likely scavenged carcasses of large mammals like elephants, hippos, and rhinoceroses.
Early humans were opportunistic omnivores, meaning they ate whatever was available. They scavenged for food, gathering fruits, nuts, and roots, as well as hunting small animals and insects.
While hunting large animals was difficult, scavenging was a more reliable source of food. Bones from these early humans show evidence of butchery, suggesting they were able to access meat from carcasses.
Here are some additional details:
- Early human tools: Early humans used simple tools made of stone and bone to break open bones and extract marrow.
- Cooperation: Scavenging large animals likely required cooperation among humans, as it would have been difficult to access the meat otherwise.
- Dietary shift: Over time, humans developed more advanced tools and hunting techniques, leading to a gradual shift from scavenging to hunting.