Humans evolved over hundreds of thousands of years to be the ultimate flexible eaters – chasing carbohydrates and fats from plant and animal sources alike. A new study in the Journal of Archaeological Research by researchers at the Australian National University and the University of Toronto Mississauga reveals early humans were far from the Palaeolithic meat-eaters sometimes portrayed, but rather relied heavily on a wide range of plant and animal foods.
“We often discuss plant use as if it only became important with the advent of agriculture,” said Dr. Anna Florin, co-author of The Broad Spectrum Species: Plant Use and Processing as Deep Time Adaptations . “However, new archaeological discoveries from around the world are telling us our ancestors were grinding wild seeds, pounding and cooking starchy tubers, and detoxifying bitter nuts many thousands of years before this.”
The research highlights that humans are a “broad-spectrum species,” and our ability to use diverse plant resources has shaped our evolutionary trajectory.
“This ability to process plant foods allowed us to unlock key calories and nutrients, and to move into, and thrive in, a range of environments globally,” added Dr. Monica Ramsey, the other co-author of this study, emphasizing the importance of “processed plant foods” to early human diets.
“Our species evolved as plant-loving, tool-using foodies who could turn almost anything into dinner,” said Ramsey.
Journal of Archaeological Research
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The Broad Spectrum Species: Plant Use and Processing as Deep Time Adaptations
25-Nov-2025