Ancient Sri Lankan teeth suggest shift to plant-based diets pre-agriculture

Research examining dental remains from archaeological sites across Sri Lanka has revealed evidence of significant dietary changes among ancient populations, suggesting a gradual shift toward plant-based consumption long before the introduction of agricultural practices.

The study of tooth wear and chemical analysis of dental material from multiple time periods shows that inhabitants of the island were incorporating more plant foods into their diet over successive generations. This dietary transition occurred millennia before farming became established in Sri Lanka, indicating that the movement toward plant-based foods was not solely driven by agricultural development.

The findings challenge conventional assumptions about the relationship between diet and subsistence strategies in early human societies. Rather than a sudden shift coinciding with the adoption of agriculture, the data suggests a gradual dietary evolution that may have been influenced by environmental factors, resource availability, or changing food preferences among ancient Sri Lankan communities.

Archaeologists note that understanding these dietary patterns provides valuable context for reconstructing daily life, health, and economic activities of pre-agricultural populations. The research contributes to a broader understanding of human adaptation and subsistence practices in South Asia during the pre-historic period, offering new perspectives on how early communities utilized their natural environment and managed food resources over extended timescales.