Final answer:
Evidence from Zhoukoudian, China, suggests early hominids such as Homo erectus might have scavenged from kills based on findings of charred animal bones and fossil skulls with markings from scavenger activity. Similarly, cutmarks on Homo antecessor bones could indicate scavenging behavior but are open to interpretation, illustrating the complexities of understanding early hominid lifestyles.
Step-by-step explanation:
Evidence of Early Hominid Scavenging
One fact that suggests early hominids were scavenging kills of carnivores is the archaeological finding at Zhoukoudian, China. Here, evidence such as charred animal bones alongside ancient hearths suggests that Homo erectus was not just hunting, but also cooking and eating meat. Some fossil skulls found in this region displayed marks that could have been interpreted as evidence of cannibalism, but recent research has indicated these markings were more likely caused by animal scavengers, such as hyenas.
Another important fact comes from the analysis of bones of Homo antecessor, which showed evidence of cutmarks similar to those on animal bones, indicating flesh was removed in a specific manner. While this practice could have been attributed to cannibalism, there are alternative explanations, such as funerary rites, that are still being debated.
These pieces of evidence, while not exhaustive, help to paint a picture of the subsistence practices of early hominids and imply scavenging as a potential part of their lifestyle.