New research challenges the long-held belief that prehistoric men were hunters while women were primarily gatherers. A review of studies suggests that women frequently engaged in hunting, and their anatomy may have made them better suited for it.
Scientists found that female physiology, including hormones like oestrogen and adiponectin, aids endurance by modulating glucose and fat metabolism, delaying fatigue. Wider hips also allowed for longer, more efficient strides, making women akin to 'marathon runners' compared to men as 'powerlifters'.
Analysis of fossil remains revealed similar patterns of traumatic injuries in both sexes, consistent with hunting large game. Additionally, burial sites in Peru from 9,000 years ago show women interred with hunting weapons, indicating their active role in hunting.
The studies, published in the journal American Anthropologist, argue that in small prehistoric groups, everyone needed to be a generalist to survive, and there was no strict division of labour by sex.
