Uncovering Neanderthal Subsistence through Proteomics: Methodological Insights into ZooMS Applications at Oscurusciuto Rock Shelter

This thesis conducts a methodological examination of the applications and theoretical contributions of Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) in reconstructing Neanderthal subsistence strategies and ecological adaptations during the Middle Paleolithic, specifically focusing on the Oscurusciuto rock shelter in southern Italy. Oscurusciuto, a prominent Neanderthal site in Europe, offers a distinctive chance to investigate methodological progress in paleoproteomics, particularly with the analysis of deteriorated and fragmented faunal remains. ZooMS targets the collagen protein COL1, allowing for species identification and providing insights into ancient faunal communities and ecological contexts, which is crucial for examining sites such as Oscurusciuto, where collagen preservation is minimal. This study underscores a theoretical framework for ZooMS, accentuating its capacity to provide substantial taxonomic and ecological insights in scenarios where conventional biomolecular methods may be hindered by preservation constraints. ZooMS, a proteomic method focused on collagen proteins, facilitates species identification from non-diagnostic bone fragments, addressing difficulties commonly faced in locations with poor DNA preservation or extensively fragmented remains. This thesis offers a sequential description of ZooMS implementation, encompassing sample preparation, collagen extraction, and peptide mass fingerprinting, while highlighting the method's ability to rebuild faunal assemblages and ecological contexts from samples with low integrity. The study methodically evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of ZooMS, focusing on its taxonomic resolution for closely related species, dependence on collagen preservation, and the interpretive capacity of proteomic data within wider paleoenvironmental contexts. The thesis examines the wider implications of ZooMS for enhancing archaeological science, namely in finding faunal elements that elucidate Neanderthal subsistence strategies, resource allocation, and possible rivalry with anatomically modern humans. This methodological approach establishes ZooMS as a crucial asset in paleoproteomics, adept at tackling significant inquiries on Neanderthal adaptability and persistence in variable habitats. This study endorses the incorporation of ZooMS into multidisciplinary archaeological methodologies, especially for sites facing significant fragmentation and preservation difficulties, suggesting that proteomic techniques can address essential deficiencies in the paleoecological and subsistence accounts of prehistoric hominins. This study lays the groundwork for future research to utilize ZooMS more extensively in archaeological investigations, aiming not only to reconstruct ecological interactions but also to enhance our comprehension of hominin behavioral adaptations across diverse paleoenvironments. The present phase of the project examines the implementation of the ZooMS technology on bone samples obtained from stratigraphic units SU 4, SU 5, SU 6, and SU 7 of the Oscurusciuto Rock Shelter. The research remains under progress.