Inter-and intra-period dietary variations revealed by dental microwear texture analysis in Holocene Levantine populations

The transition from hunter-gatherer subsistence to agricultural economies marks one of the most significant shifts in human dietary history. This study investigates dietary adaptations and intra-period variability among Holocene Levantine populations using dental microwear texture analysis (DMTA). Combining Scale-Sensitive Fractal Analysis (SSFA) with 3D surface texture (3DST) standards, we analyzed second molar occlusal facets from 78 individuals across Natufian, Pre-Pottery Neolithic (PPN), Chalcolithic, and modern Bedouin groups. Our results demonstrate clear inter-period dietary transitions, with Natufian hunter-gatherers exhibiting smoother enamel surfaces with high anisotropy, indicative of a diet reliant on minimally processed resources. In contrast, subsequent PPN and Chalcolithic populations showed progressively increased complexity, deeper pits, and reduced anisotropy, reflecting the incorporation of abrasive foods associated with advanced cereal processing techniques and stone grinding tool usage. Principal Component Analysis revealed distinct clustering by chronological periods and highlighted intra-period variability driven by localized subsistence strategies and food processing practices. Within the PPN, significant microwear differences emerged between PPNB and PPNC sub-periods, suggesting nuanced dietary shifts potentially related to changing resource availability or food preparation methods. Chalcolithic populations demonstrated further dietary diversification, underscoring regional variations in subsistence practices. Our findings emphasize the value of integrating SSFA and 3DST methodologies for capturing subtle dietary distinctions, thereby enhancing our understanding of ancient dietary adaptations and technological innovations during the pivotal Neolithic transition.