The Climatic Effects on Neanderthal Diets

The Neanderthals lived through harsh climates of the Middle Paleolithic. They survived Ice Age habitats primarily in northern and western Eurasia. Neanderthal diets have been reconstructed by analyzing remnants of the flora and fauna preserved as well as those existing today in northern European climates. The environment contributed immensely to their potential dietary choices and Neandertals depended on what was available to them. During the Middle Paleolithic, isotopic studies and faunal analyses indicate Neanderthals in colder climates focused on hunting large animals and gathering and depended less on plant foods.