A thousand years of solitude. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38330134/)

These scientists wanted to understand how the first people who came to live on the Canary Islands a long time ago managed to survive there for such a long time without any help or contact from the outside world. They were curious about how they found food and built homes without any modern tools or technology.

To find answers, the scientists studied different things. They looked at the bones and teeth of the ancient people who lived on the islands to see what they ate. They also examined the tools and artifacts left behind by these people to learn how they made things.

The scientists also explored the plants and animals on the islands to see what resources were available to the settlers. They looked at the types of plants they could eat and use for medicine, and the animals they could hunt for food.

By studying all of these things, the scientists were able to piece together a story of how the first settlers of the Canary Islands survived. They found out that the people were very resourceful and creative. They used their knowledge of the environment to find food, build shelters, and make tools. They were able to adapt to their surroundings and live off the land.

This study helped the scientists understand how humans can survive in different places and adapt to new environments. It also taught them about the history and culture of the people who lived on the Canary Islands a long time ago.

Cornwall W. A thousand years of solitude. Science. 2024 Feb 9;383(6683):580-584. doi: 10.1126/science.ado5092. Epub 2024 Feb 8.