She also has found evidence of bears, which are rare in Africa. Determining what animals lived during a particular period can provide clues about how the hominids lived. These animals lived on the open grassland. There were lots of them, which meant more to hunt. The scientist says that more available game may have led to more cooperative hunting among hominids.
Mammal communities can provide clues about hominid communities in less direct ways, as well.
By looking at animal fossils, Reed can make deductions about the vegetation and climate of the surrounding region. All are interdependent. And based on what they eat, their chewing design is different. By making specific measurements, Reed can determine whether an animal ate grass, leaves, both, or whether it ate meat, meat and bones, or insects. An animal's bones hold even more clues.