Hominids, that's us, had a diet limited to plants which gave us carbohydrates and sugars. We had to eat a LOT of plants, fruits, flowers and seeds to keep up our energy. As a result, our stomachs were huge and our brains were small.
We had large premolars that we used to chew harder foods like large seeds. We had larger jaws and teeth to accommodate the many different kinds of uncooked plants we were consuming. They weren't easy to eat in their natural raw state.
We had large premolars that we used to chew harder foods like large seeds. We had larger jaws and teeth to accommodate the many different kinds of uncooked plants we were consuming. They weren't easy to eat in their natural raw state.
Photo credit to Nathan McCord, U.S. Marine Corps - http://www.defenseimagery.mil; VIRIN: 090812-M-7376M-073, Public Domain, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=7809689
Hominids, a primate of a family that includes humans and our "fossil ancestors" and at least some of the great apes, became people by developing fire. "People" is described as having traits such as large brains and dainty jaws. We made this move from to being hominids to being homo erectus by using fire for a variety of reasons.
Homo erectus appeared about 2 million years and were known to use fire 1.8 million years ago.
The folks in this diorama are homo erectus and they are the earliest species known to have controlled fire, about 600,000 years ago. This means they used it purposefully to cook, stay warm, as a weapon and to continue their activity into the night.
These expanded activities were important. Because homo erectus could not protect themselves, they could sleep on the ground instead of in trees which advanced their ability to use their legs for walking (bipedalism). They could live in colder climates and migrate widely. They could preserve food to help them through the times when hunting was not possible. They used large fires to clear the land and make it easier to hunt. Because they had "domesticated" fire, they had greater control over their environment.
Homo erectus appeared about 2 million years and were known to use fire 1.8 million years ago.
The folks in this diorama are homo erectus and they are the earliest species known to have controlled fire, about 600,000 years ago. This means they used it purposefully to cook, stay warm, as a weapon and to continue their activity into the night.
These expanded activities were important. Because homo erectus could not protect themselves, they could sleep on the ground instead of in trees which advanced their ability to use their legs for walking (bipedalism). They could live in colder climates and migrate widely. They could preserve food to help them through the times when hunting was not possible. They used large fires to clear the land and make it easier to hunt. Because they had "domesticated" fire, they had greater control over their environment.
Meat became a staple in the diet of early humans about 2.6 million years ago. They ate it raw and of course, it was hard to chew. When they developed fire and used it for cooking, it allowed them to destroy parasites and bacteria in meat and soften all foods for easier digestion. They were healthier and had more energy. Their jaws became smaller as did their teeth. Stomachs and intestines became smaller. One step closer to being homo sapiens (human).
Brains need a high level of metabolism and eating meat allowed primitive man to have an unlimited amount of protein to support the growing brain.
Brains need a high level of metabolism and eating meat allowed primitive man to have an unlimited amount of protein to support the growing brain.
Fast forward several hundred thousand or even a couple of million years, depending on the anthropologist, and here we are, eating our grilled meat. What's the attraction? The meat industry isn't known for its kind and gentle handling of our meat-producing animals, so that's a strike against eating meat. Despite all of this, why do we crave a steak, a burger, a rack of ribs, but not kale?
The sensory appeal of meat comes from umami, the fifth taste (after bitter, sweet, sour and salty). Umami is prominent in meats and signals the brain that protein is available. Fat delights our senses, too, but meat seduces us even before our first bite. Why? In part because of the Maillard reaction which is the aroma of meat being cooked over high heat. Salivating yet? You know exactly what I mean. These aromas guarantee that we'll stick to eating meat.
Eating meat is rooted in our social identity, as well. Look at our American traditions. Turkey for Thanksgiving, ham or roast for Christmas, ham for Easter. Hot dogs and burgers for July 4th. Steak or prime rib for special occasions.
Eating certain meats binds groups of people together. Eating meat is also a sign of social status and wealth. The advertisers of Madison Avenue have caused us to associate meat eating with masculinity.
Eat a little, eat a lot, eat none. Your choice. Perhaps your umami sense is not as strong as your friends, so when they dive in, please don't start with a gruesome tale of how the cow met its end. Let them enjoy what they like. If they criticize you for being vegan, then it's on.
Do the best you can. TTFN, Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
Eating certain meats binds groups of people together. Eating meat is also a sign of social status and wealth. The advertisers of Madison Avenue have caused us to associate meat eating with masculinity.
Eat a little, eat a lot, eat none. Your choice. Perhaps your umami sense is not as strong as your friends, so when they dive in, please don't start with a gruesome tale of how the cow met its end. Let them enjoy what they like. If they criticize you for being vegan, then it's on.
Do the best you can. TTFN, Claudia
Join me on Facebook at Dr. Claudia McCulloch
