Final answer:
Neanderthals had a meat-rich diet due to colder habitats, while modern humans enjoyed a varied diet of plants, meats, and seafood. Both groups were hunter-gatherers, and differences in diet, technology, and adaptability may have contributed to the Neanderthals' extinction. Paleo diet discussions are enriched by this understanding of historical eating patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
During the Paleolithic era, both Neanderthals and modern humans (Homo sapiens) were part of hunter-gatherer societies, though their diets varied according to their environments. The Neanderthal diet was likely rich in meat due to their habitats being often more frigid, while modern humans had a diet that included nuts, fruits, berries, wild grains, honey, and not just meat but also fish, birds, and insects. Researchers, such as biological anthropologists and zooarchaeologists, have utilized various methods, including the study of fossilized remains and genetics, to determine these nutritional habits.
Neanderthals coexisted with modern humans for a period but eventually went extinct. Multiple theories have been proposed for their decline, including the challenges of adapting to climate change, competition for food, and lower levels of genetic diversity compared to modern humans.
The dietary patterns of Neanderthals and modern humans have implications for current discussions around the Paleo diet, with scientists encouraging a deeper understanding of actual Paleolithic diets, typically consisting of a balance between plant-based and animal-based foods.