Larry O'Hanlon
Aug 10, 2010
http://news.discovery.com/animals/pets-humans-evolution.html
Summary: A recent theory published by paleoanthropologist Pat Shipman of Penn State University suggests that animals play an important role in human evolution. Shipman thinks that the unique human habit of living with animals has made human evolved in terms of human tool-making and language. Living with pets since 2.6 million years ago switched human's diet from mostly vegetarian to rich in meat. According to Shipman, human make the evolution process faster by creating equipments to kill and hunt, which finally enabled human to compete with other top predators like wolves and tigers. Because managing and tracking animals requires technology and knowledge, language has evolved too. Meanwhile, there are also genetic mutations in animals because human bred for certain traits, like a cow that gives more milk. This evolution influence works for both human and the animals. Other paleoanthropologists has found this theory plausible.
Connection: This article connects to the evolution unit. It introduces a new theory about evolution and briefly talks about artificial selection. The article also gives an example of the beneficial influences of evolutions. Human select the dogs that have more genes for compassion to hunt with; on the other hand, human reproduce more offsprings, with dogs' help in hunting and securing their homes.
How has a meat-filled diet affected humans over time?
ReplyDeleteGenerally speaking, meat-filled diet makes humans stronger because meats provide humans more nutrition and fats, and humans need them to sustain a healthy body. According to LiveStrong website, Oysters, beef, lamb and poultry, for example, are rich in zinc and Iodine. These micronutrient might be lacking in a vegetarian diet. So I think meat-filled diet affected humans positively over time and it is essential to humans.
DeleteWhat effect did human "domestication" of animals have on the ecosystem?
ReplyDeleteLet me use peatland as an example of ecosystem. According to my online reference, ecologists have found that high-altitude peatlands are influences by domestic animals. Peatlands that have grazing domestic animals ( mainly sheep) tend to have greater biomass. Overgrazing on the peatland also believed to be a key factor of vegetation degradation. It can negatively affect the species composition and especially biomass production leading to a decrease in resilience of the ecosystem. For further explanation, please go to: http://www.intechopen.com/books/ecosystems-biodiversity/impact-of-domestic-animals-on-ecosystem-integrity-of-lesotho-high-altitude-peatlands
DeleteWhat were humans' original reason for domesticating animals?
ReplyDeleteI believe there are many reasons for this question. Here are a few reasons that I can think of. First of all, it is nice to have pets for company. That keeps people from feeling lonely sometimes. Second, domesticating animals are purposely useful. They can provide human food(beef, pork, milk, etc.) and other products( leathers, wool, etc.) Animals like dog can also help people to do work (hunting, grazing, etc.)
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