Maggot Consumption Revealed in Neanderthal Diet | JQJO

Contrary to previous beliefs, new research suggests Neanderthals weren't solely carnivorous. Analysis of Neanderthal bone isotopes initially indicated a high-meat diet, similar to apex predators. However, scientists now believe this is due to their consumption of maggots, which have a high nitrogen-15 isotope ratio, mimicking a meat-heavy diet. Hominins, including Neanderthals, are omnivores and high protein diets are dangerous for them. The maggots' presence in their diet explains the earlier misinterpretation of their bone chemical signatures.