Study reveals Australopithecus likely had a plant-based diet with little meat consumption

New research shows that Australopithecus, an early human ancestor, likely had a plant-based diet with little to no meat consumption. This study analyzed tooth enamel from seven individuals dating back 3.7 to 3.3 million years. The findings challenge previous assumptions that meat was a significant part of Australopithecus' diet. Instead, the evidence suggests that meat consumption may have developed later in the evolutionary timeline among other hominin species. The study indicates that Australopithecus primarily ate fruits, leaves, and flowering plants. This research provides insights into the dietary habits of early hominins and their evolutionary development.