A groundbreaking discovery in Argentina suggests that ancient humans may have butchered and eaten a giant armadillo-like creature around 20,000 years ago. This finding, published in the journal *Nature*, adds to the growing body of evidence suggesting that people spread throughout the Americas much earlier than previously assumed. The research, led by scientists from the National University of La Plata, focused on the fossil remains of a glyptodont, a giant extinct armadillo relative, found in the Pampean region of Argentina.
The researchers identified cut marks on the bones, indicating that they were made by stone tools. The cut marks, found on parts of the pelvis, tail, and carapace (bony plates that covered the animal’s body), were meticulously analyzed and compared to other potential causes, including carnivores and natural weathering. The analysis revealed that the pattern of the cut marks was highly suggestive of human butchering, with a clear sequence indicating that humans obtained meat from the pelvis and tail muscles.
The carbon dating of a pelvic bone fragment placed the age of the glyptodont remains at 21,090 to 20,811 years ago, making it one of the earliest examples of human interaction with megafauna in South America. This discovery significantly challenges the traditional timeline of human arrival in the Americas, which previously placed the earliest arrival around 13,000 years ago.
While the study provides compelling evidence of human presence in the region around 21,000 years ago, further research is needed to solidify the link between the cut marks and human activity. No human-made tools have been found at the site, leading some experts to call for additional investigation. However, the researchers are optimistic that further excavation will uncover more evidence, such as lithic tools, that will strengthen their findings.
This remarkable discovery adds to the growing debate surrounding the timeline of human migration in the Americas. It suggests that humans may have been present in the region much earlier than previously thought, potentially leading to interactions with large animals like the giant armadillo. As research continues, we may gain a deeper understanding of the complex history of human settlement in the Americas.
