An archaeological revelation from Argentina has overturned previous theories about the timeline of human settlement in the Americas, providing evidence that early humans were present over 20,000 years ago.
An archaeological study in Argentina suggests that early humans used stone tools to butcher a giant armadillo-like creature more than 20,000 years ago, challenging established settlement theories, CNN reported.
Researchers made the discovery near the banks of the Reconquista River in Merlo, Buenos Aires. They unearthed fossilized remains of a giant armadillo-like creature, identified as Neosclerocalyptus, which weighed about 300 kilograms and measured 180 centimeters in length.
This species is known for its armored scales and defensive ability to roll into a ball when threatened.
An observant bulldozer operator clearing the riverbank discovered the initial findings. Researchers then identified precise cut marks on the bones, specifically the vertebrae and pelvis.
Miguel Delgado, a key researcher in the study, explained that the cut marks indicated deliberate butchering efforts focused on extracting sizable muscle packs from the pelvis and tail.
Radiocarbon dating revealed the fossilized remains to be between 20,811 and 21,090 years old. Delgado emphasized that the analysis dispelled any speculation that natural factors or predatory animals could have made the marks. “These were clear cuts made with stone tools, indicating human activity,” he stated.
Researchers used qualitative and quantitative methods to verify the origins of the cut marks, comparing them with potential non-human factors. Thorough cleaning of the fossils revealed 32 linear marks, attributed to human-made stone tools.
Paleoanthropologist Briana Pobiner supported the findings, stating, "The authors have presented robust evidence that supports the presence of early humans responsible for these markings on the armadillo fossils."
This discovery ties into a broader context of archaeological findings across the Americas. Similar evidence, such as fossilized footprints in New Mexico and perforated giant sloth bones in Brazil dating back 27,000 years, suggests a much earlier timeline for human presence in South America than previously thought.
Delgado highlighted the overall impact of these groundbreaking discoveries: “Our results, alongside these other significant findings, point to a distinct, earlier timeline for human arrival on the American continent, suggesting dates between 21,000 and 25,000 years ago, or perhaps even earlier.”
These findings do more than rewrite the timeline of human settlement in the Americas; they offer insights into early humans' migration patterns, tool usage, and interactions with their environment and other species.
This new understanding highlights the complex interactions between early humans and the diverse megafauna of the period, challenging previous assumptions about migration routes and timelines into the Americas.
Experts suggest that this evidence could lead us to reevaluate our understanding of early human societies, their migratory patterns, and adaptation strategies in prehistoric times.
The archaeological community eagerly anticipates further studies and discoveries that might reshape our understanding of early human history in the Americas.
This study's methods may set a precedent for future excavations and analyses, aiming to uncover layers of history obscured by time.
This revelation about early humans in Argentina, capable of processing large creatures like Neosclerocalyptus over 20,000 years ago, repositions our understanding of human history in the Americas.
Evidence from other regional studies supports this data, suggesting a new, earlier timeframe for the people of the Americas. This challenges established narratives and opens the door for more research into prehistoric human activity.
