The Evolution of Modern Diet

Paper Summary:

The ability of life to adapt to new environments is one of the principle foundations of Natural Selection. The paper shows that, given the great importance of diet on the course of our evolutionary past, it is astounding that more research has not been conducted on the origins of our dieting habits. The literature that has been written on the subject of diet has taken on many forms. Some researchers have focused on the social origins of diet and how it affects different categories of people, while others have focused on the cognitive functions behind different dieting behaviors. This literature review examines some of the past research that has been conducted and attempts to put this research into an evolutionary based frame.

From the Paper:

"This model theorizes that females, since females bear young, would establish small groups near a constant food source in order to ensure the health of young offspring. Males, on the other hand, would have a larger territory that would encompass several smaller female groups. Males would roam this territory and be constantly on the move, allowing for males to eat a wider (but less constant) diet. Males would therefore have a predisposition to eat anything that could be eaten, and therefore care less about the "healthy" aspect of the foodstuff. Females, having maintained a constant source of food over several generations, would be more selective with their caloric intake and only choose to eat the healthier foods."

More papers on The Evolution of Modern Diet:

• Comparison Essay # 3012 : "The Evolution of Man"
• Term Paper # 133912 : "Understanding the Ancient Australopithecus"
• Research Paper # 104490 : "Contemporary Hunter-Gatherers"

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