6. Effects of Meat in diet
Return to History 8 Human Origins Concepts
Homo Habilis was one of the first species to include meat in their diets, benefiting their way of living. However, they weren't hunters therefore scavenged the remnants of animals killed by other animals. Through stone tools they learned to reach bone marrow, a nutritious substance inside bones, that no other animal could reach. Since meat usually came in large abundances, the sharing of food became a behavioral pattern in Homo Habilis. Duties were assigned and social activities were arranged as a result of food distribution to help the helpless newborns. However little, this started the bonding of the species. Geographically, as the prey spread out following their own food, Homo Habilis chased after the moving animals, forcing them to travel to new places. Also, because meat was easier to digest than previous foods, more energy could be used in other organs, leading to larger brains with more energy advancing the species intellectually.
Resources:
-Origins Manual, page 27
- http://www.bbc.co.uk/sn/prehistoric_life/human/human_evolution/food_for_thought1.shtml
Pictures:
Yukiko Chevray
