Fossil Discovery Sheds Light on Early Human Presence in South America

Fossilized bones from an extinct armored mammal, the glyptodont, have provided new insights into the timeline of human arrival in South America. A recent study published in PLOS One by researcher Delgado and his team suggests that humans may have inhabited the continent as far back as 21,000 years ago, coinciding with the end of the Pleistocene epoch. This period was marked by significant climatic changes, and the presence of humans during this time could indicate their long-standing relationship with climate variability and resilience. The discovery of the glyptodont bones occurred near the Reconquista River in Buenos Aires, Argentina, where researcher Jofré noticed unusual markings on the fossils. These marks, which could have been caused by various natural processes or animals, raised questions about their origin. Delgado and his colleagues conducted excavations at the site, uncovering several fossilized remains, including parts of the glyptodont's shell and vertebrae. Delgado posits that the V-shaped cut marks on the bones resemble those made by human stone tools during butchering, suggesting that ancient humans were indeed present in the region. If confirmed, this would represent one of the earliest pieces of evidence for human activity in South America. However, experts caution that further research is necessary to definitively attribute the marks to human actions rather than other natural causes, emphasizing the need for more unambiguous evidence of human presence in the area.