The Claim
The nitrogen and carbon isotope signatures in tooth enamel of Australopithecus specimens from Sterkfontein are statistically indistinguishable from those of contemporaneous herbivorous mammals, indicating that their dietary niche overlapped with plant-eating animals rather than meat-eating predators.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Analysis of chemical traces in fossilized teeth shows that Australopithecus ate plants similar to those consumed by herbivorous animals of the same time period, rather than meat like predators.
See the scientific wording
The nitrogen and carbon isotope signatures in tooth enamel of Australopithecus from Sterkfontein are statistically indistinguishable from those of contemporaneous herbivorous mammals, suggesting their dietary niche overlapped with plant-eating animals rather than meat-eating predators.
When an animal eats mostly grasses and leaves, the carbon and nitrogen in those plants get incorporated into its teeth as it grows, making the chemical signature of its enamel look like that of other plant-eating animals. This happens because the types of carbon and nitrogen in plants from open grasslands are different from those in meat or fruits, and the body doesn’t change these elements much when building teeth.
What the research says
1 studyStudy: Australopithecus at Sterkfontein did not consume substantial mammalian meat.
Scientists checked the chemical makeup of ancient teeth and found they matched animals that eat grass and leaves, not lions or other meat-eaters — so these early ancestors probably ate mostly plants.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.