Abstract
One of the most important biological changes in the evolution of
man, undoubtedly influenced by the cultural changes as well, is the Neolithic
demographic explosion, i.e. the first significant increase of population size,
followed by the change in the way of life: transition from hunter-gatherers to
sedentary, focused upon agriculture. Biological studies indicate the possible
connection between fertility and lactation duration, or more specifically that the
increased fertility influenced the shortened lactation period during the Neolithic.
In order to test this hypothesis, the duration of lactation period has been tested for the Iron Gates population during four millennia (9500 – 5500 BCE). The results indicate shortening of lactation period and have been interpreted in association to macroscopic observations of the health status of children (linear hypoplasia ofteeth enamel, presence of caries and dental plaque).
man, undoubtedly influenced by the cultural changes as well, is the Neolithic
demographic explosion, i.e. the first significant increase of population size,
followed by the change in the way of life: transition from hunter-gatherers to
sedentary, focused upon agriculture. Biological studies indicate the possible
connection between fertility and lactation duration, or more specifically that the
increased fertility influenced the shortened lactation period during the Neolithic.
In order to test this hypothesis, the duration of lactation period has been tested for the Iron Gates population during four millennia (9500 – 5500 BCE). The results indicate shortening of lactation period and have been interpreted in association to macroscopic observations of the health status of children (linear hypoplasia ofteeth enamel, presence of caries and dental plaque).
| Translated title of the contribution | Diet and health status of children at the Mesolithic and Neolithic in the Danube Gorges |
|---|---|
| Original language | Other |
| Pages (from-to) | 43-65 |
| Journal | ARCHAICA |
| Volume | 3 |
| Publication status | Published - 01 Jan 2015 |
| Externally published | Yes |