Neanderthal Dental Plaque: A Window into Our Ancestors’ Lives
Dental Plaque: A Treasure Trove of Information
For centuries, archaeologists discarded dental plaque from ancient human skulls, considering it worthless. However, recent advances in genetic sequencing have revealed that fossilized dental plaque holds a wealth of information about our ancestors. It can tell us about their diets, health, and even interactions with other humans.
Neanderthal Microbiomes: A Tale of Two Diets
Scientists have studied the dental plaque of Neanderthals, our extinct cousins, to gain insights into their lifestyles. By sequencing the DNA of bacteria in the plaque, they discovered that Neanderthals had distinct microbiomes depending on their location and diet.
Belgian Neanderthals: Meat-Eaters with a Unique Microbiome
Neanderthals in central Belgium had a classic meat-heavy diet, which was reflected in their oral microbiome. The presence of sheep, woolly mammoth, and other animal DNA in their plaque indicated a high consumption of meat. This diet shaped their microbiome to be different from that of other Neanderthals.
Spanish Neanderthals: Hunter-Gatherers with a Vegetarian Microbiome
In contrast, Neanderthals in northern Spain had a more vegetarian, hunter-gatherer diet. Their plaque contained DNA from pine nuts and mushrooms, suggesting a reliance on plant-based foods. This diet resulted in an oral microbiome similar to that of chimpanzees, our hunter-gatherer genetic ancestors.
Meat Consumption and the Oral Microbiome
The study suggests that meat consumption significantly alters the microbiome in humans. The shift to a meat-heavy diet among the Belgian Neanderthals coincided with changes in their oral microbiome, making it more susceptible to disease-causing microbes.
Exceptional Oral Health: Neanderthals with Pristine Teeth
Despite lacking modern dental care, Neanderthals generally had excellent oral health. Their teeth showed minimal signs of decay or disease. This finding challenges the stereotype of Neanderthals as primitive cavemen with poor hygiene.
Neanderthal Medicine: Treating Illness with Natural Remedies
One Spanish Neanderthal suffered from a dental abscess and diarrhea. Analysis of his microbiome revealed evidence that he used medicinal plants, including penicillin and aspirin, to alleviate his symptoms. This suggests that Neanderthals possessed a sophisticated understanding of their environment and the medicinal properties of plants.
Methanobrevibacter oralis: A Microbe Shared with Humans
In sequencing the microbiome of the abscessed Neanderthal, scientists also discovered the oldest microbe genome found to date: Methanobrevibacter oralis. By comparing its genome to that of the same microbe in modern humans, they determined that Neanderthals acquired it from humans about 125,000 years ago. This discovery implies that Neanderthals and humans interacted more closely than previously thought, perhaps even sharing saliva.
Implications for Modern Human Health
The study of Neanderthal dental plaque provides insights into human health and evolution. It raises questions about why modern humans suffer from dental and other health issues that were rare among Neanderthals. By understanding the factors that contributed to their excellent oral health, we may gain insights into improving our own health.
Future Research: Unraveling the Mysteries of Human Evolution
Researchers plan to continue studying the dental fossils of other ancient humans and ancestors. By examining their microbiomes, they hope to piece together a more comprehensive understanding of human evolution and the factors that have shaped our health over time.
