Ancient Armadillo Bones Reveal Early Human Presence in South America

Researchers have discovered fossil bones of the large armadillo relative Neosclerocalyptus in Argentina, revealing cut marks indicative of butchering, suggesting human presence in southern South America 21,000 years ago. This discovery challenges previous beliefs about the timeline of humans in the Americas.

Fossil bones of a large armadillo relative, Neosclerocalyptus, found in Argentina, indicate humans were present in southern South America 21,000 years ago, researchers reported. The bones featured cut marks consistent with butchering by humans using stone tools, suggesting an early human presence during the Last Glacial Maximum.

Neosclerocalyptus, part of the glyptodont group, inhabited the Americas for over 30 million years before going extinct about 10,000 years ago. These newly unearthed fossils provide robust evidence for Homo sapiens' interaction with large Ice Age animals in southern South America. However, no human fossils were discovered at the site.

The discovery shifts the traditional timeline that posited human arrival in the Americas around 16,000 years ago. The fossils, dated to approximately 21,000 years ago using radiocarbon methods, were discovered near Buenos Aires, making them some of the oldest evidence of human presence in the region.

(With inputs from agencies.)