Seeing the wood for the trees: How archaeologists use hazelnuts to reconstruct ancient woodlands

The hazelnut tree (Corylus spp.) is an important species in many parts of the world, including Europe and North America. In the past, hazelnuts were a staple food source for many human societies, and their shells have been used by archaeologists to reconstruct ancient woodlands.

One way that scientists use hazelnut shells to study ancient environments is through the analysis of stable isotopes. Stable isotopes are atoms with the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nucleus. These isotopes can be used to determine the age of a sample, as well as its origin and composition.

In the case of hazelnut shells, researchers can use stable isotope analysis to determine the carbon content of the shells. Carbon isotopes are produced by photosynthesis, so the ratio of carbon-13 to carbon-12 in a sample can provide information about the type of vegetation that was present when the plant grew.

By analyzing hazelnut shells from archaeological sites, researchers can infer the presence of forested or open environments. For example, if the ratio of carbon-13 to carbon-12 is high, it suggests that the hazelnuts were grown in a forested environment, where there was plenty of carbon dioxide available for photosynthesis. On the other hand, if the ratio is low, it suggests that the hazelnuts were grown in an open or pasture-like environment, where there was less carbon dioxide available.

This information can be used to reconstruct the types of habitats that were present around archaeological sites thousands of years ago. For example, if a site has a high ratio of carbon-13 to carbon-12 in its hazelnut shells, it suggests that the area was heavily forested at the time. This can provide valuable insights into how humans have impacted their habitats over time, and how they may have adapted to different types of environments.

Overall, the use of hazelnut shells to study ancient environments is a fascinating example of how scientists are using innovative methods to better understand our past. By analyzing these small but important details, we can gain a deeper understanding of the world that our ancestors called home.