How do paleontologists infer dietary habits of ancient hominins?

Paleontologists use isotopic analysis of stable isotopes to infer the dietary habits of ancient hominins because this method provides specific and reliable insights into the types of plants and animals that ancient organisms consumed. Isotopes can reveal the sources of carbon and nitrogen in the remains of hominins, which reflect their dietary composition. For instance, different plants and animals have characteristic isotopic signatures based on their photosynthetic pathways (C3 versus C4 plants), and these signatures can be traced in the bones or teeth of hominins. By analyzing these stable isotopes, researchers can distinguish between different types of diets, such as whether a hominin primarily consumed forest fruits, grassland vegetation, or animal protein. This scientific approach allows paleontologists to build a more accurate picture of the ecology and lifestyle of early human ancestors compared to other methodologies that may offer less direct evidence.