The Diet of the Ardipithecus Ramidus

Ardipithecus ramidus, which may have been a common ancestor of both humans and African apes, is thought to have eaten a mixed diet of both meat and plant foods, according to the SciTechExplained.com website.

Fossil Remains

• Fossils of the Ardipithecus ramidus were found in the early 1990s in the Middle Awash Valley of Ethiopia, according to SciTechExplained.com. By 2009, fossil remains more than 36 individuals of the species had been found.

Teeth

• Teeth represent the most common fossil remains of primates because they withstand degradation better than any other part of their bodies. Much has been learned about Ardipithecus ramidus by studying its teeth, including information about its diet.

Tooth Enamel and Diet

• Scientists concluded that the medium thickness of the dental enamel indicated that Ardipithecus ramidus was an omnivore that did not eat hard foods like tubers and nuts that required thick enamel for heavy chewing. Neither was it just a soft fruit eater, according to the MetaPrimate.com. Ardipithecus ramidus probably ate small mammals, fruits, insects and eggs.