The role of cooking in human evolution and survival
Early humans survived on raw foods. They foraged and hunted whatever was available, consuming it in its natural state. While raw food provides energy, it can be challenging to consume and digest efficiently. That changed when our ancestors learned to control fire.
Grantee Spotlight: Giulia Gallo
Did all Neanderthals need or use fire? Giulia Gallo is a PhD candidate at UC Davis whose research is focused on Neanderthal fire use and maintenance. Her Leakey Foundation-supported project will help us to understand the different ways Neanderthals used fire.
From the Field: Nicole Herzog, Senegal
What do chimpanzees do after a fire? Nicole Herzog was awarded a Leakey Foundation Research Grant during our spring 2016 cycle for her project entitled "Chimpanzees in fire-altered landscapes: Investigating foundations for hominin fire exploitation."
Neandertal Fire Technology
Carolina Mallol has been awarded three Leakey Foundation research grants for her project entitled “Neandertal fire technology.” Currently she is beginning the field season for her third grant awarded in our spring 2015 cycle, and so we thought we would post the final report from her 2012 grant. This is an excerpt from the report followed by a link to