Category: Human evolution

Archaeological analysis of ancient pottery has revealed traces of milk fats dating back nearly 9,000 years in modern-day Turkey. This discovery confirms that, yes, our ancestors consumed dairy, but the story of how and why is more complex than simply drinking raw milk, as most early adults were lactose intolerant.

Multiple studies using different methods have largely concluded that Neanderthals required significantly higher daily energy, potentially hundreds of calories more than early modern humans. So, did Neanderthals need more calories than humans? The scientific consensus points to yes, and the reasons are deeply rooted in their evolutionary biology and lifestyle.

Genetic studies reveal that only about one-third of the world's adult population has the ability to digest lactose, the sugar in milk, highlighting that consuming milk as adults is not the biological norm for most people. This ability, known as lactase persistence, evolved relatively recently in human history, challenging the widespread assumption that humans are meant to drink milk as adults.

Archaeological evidence from dental calculus reveals that Neanderthals ate a variety of plants, challenging the myth of a meat-only caveman diet. So, what was the diet of the distant ancestors, and how did it change over millions of years of human evolution?

Archaeological records show that early Homo sapiens were not strictly herbivores, but instead opportunistic omnivores who relied on both plants and animal protein. This foundational adaptability is the key to understanding, 'are humans technically omnivores?'

The human brain has increased 300% in size over six million years, a dietary shift that included meat likely making this possible. This brings into focus the complex question: are humans omnivores or scavengers, and how did these roles shape our ancestors' lives?

Contrary to the popular single 'caveman diet' idea, evidence shows that early human diets were incredibly diverse and varied significantly by geography, climate, and season. The question of what was the original diet leads to a complex tapestry of plant and animal foods consumed over millions of years.

According to genetics research, approximately 65% of the global adult population has a reduced ability to digest lactose, the main sugar in milk. This surprising statistic means that the question of whether most humans can drink milk has a complex answer, rooted in human evolution and geography.

Over the last 10,000 years, the human diet has changed more dramatically than at any other point in our evolutionary history, transitioning from a diverse, foraged diet to one dominated by agriculture and processed foods. This rapid shift raises questions about what we are truly 'designed' to eat.

Globally, up to a quarter of all adult deaths are linked to poor diets. This stark statistic underscores the profound importance of understanding why did humans need food, a necessity that extends far beyond merely satisfying hunger.