Direct morpho-chemical characterization of elusive plant residues from Aurignacian Pontic Steppe ground stones
G. Birarda, C. Cagnato, I. Pantyukhina, C. Stani, N. Cefarin, G. Sorrentino, E. Badetti, A. Marcomini, C. Lubritto, G. Khlopacev, S. Covalenco, T. Obada, N. Skakun, L. Vaccari, L. Longo
The paper identifies ancient starch residues on ground stones from the Pontic Steppe, suggesting intentional processing of plant roots and tubers by Homo sapiens around 40,000 years ago.
bioRxiv · Jul 23, 2020 · PreprintPaleontology