Fossil with cut marks hints at human existence 21,000 years ago in Argentina

Scientists have long tried to ascertain when humans occupied South America and questioned the ancient human-animal interactions alongside the role of humans and climate changes in the extinction of several large animal species at the end of the Pleistocene.

Now, a new fossil has been unearthed in Argentina – a glyptodont namely Neosclerocalyptus, a giant relative of armadillos which might answer some of these questions that have puzzled scientists for centuries.

The fossil was spotted with cut marks hinting at ancient humans exploiting such humungous mammals in the country.

A team of researchers from the National University of La Plata in Argentina undertook the latest archaeological study.

Large armadillo fossil unearthed in Argentina

They analyzed the remains of the fossil discovered on the banks of the Reconquista River, northeast of the Pampean region in the second-largest country in South America.

As per the radiocarbon dating method employed to ascertain the age of the fossil, it was observed that the fossils date back to roughly 21,000 years ago, during the Last Glacial Maximum (21,090-20,811 cal YBP).

Miguel Delgado, the corresponding author of the study stated:

“The study’s evidence puts into question the time frame for the first human peopling of the Americas 16,000 years ago”

Aiming to reach a conclusive answer in the ongoing debate regarding early human occupation in South America, researchers have presented evidence of butchery marks on Pleistocene mammal fossils.

This suggests human exploitation of large mammals over 20,000 years ago, also confirming the presence of humans in the last phase of the Pleistocene epoch .

This topic has been a subject of discussion for too long due to the lack of direct and obvious archaeological evidence of early human interaction with animals.

According to a statement by scientists, statistical analysis showed that cut marks on parts of the pelvis, tail, and body armour are consistent with known marks made by stone tools.

Marks on animal constant with butchering sequence

Additionally, the placement of these marks is consistent with a butchering sequence targeting areas of dense flesh.

Radiocarbon dating confirmed that fossil remains are about six thousand years older than other known archaeological evidence in southern South America, making them 21,000 years old.

Understanding when humans first arrived in the Americas and their interactions with the environment are significant for studying early human dispersal and their role in megafauna extinction.

However, the authors have proposed further evidence that could support the new findings by excavating the site as well as analysing the cut marks subjecting it to more scrutiny than what’s already been done.

In this new study, scientists conducted paleoenvironmental reconstructions, stratigraphic descriptions, and absolute chronological dating of bone materials and deposits. The findings suggest bones were likely rapidly buried in a semi-dry climate during a rainy season.

The analysis of the cut marks and the reconstruction of butchering sequences suggest human activities.

“Our results provide new elements for discussing the earliest peopling of southern South America and specifically for the interaction between humans and local megafauna in the Pampean region during the Last Glacial Maximum,” noted the authors.

The study was published earlier today [July 17, 2024] in the journal – PLoS ONE .