Question

Adding meat to the diet was advantageous to genus Homo because:

A) it was available year round
B) it kept them satiated longer so they didn't have to spend so much time looking for food
C) a small amount contains a lot of calories and nutrients
D) it was a very high source of protein that would have enhanced brain development
E) all of the above

Answer 1

The addition of meat to the diet of the genus Homo was advantageous because it provided a year-round nutrient-rich food source that was high in calories and protein, resulting in less foraging time and supporting large brain development.

Step-by-step explanation:

Adding meat to the diet was advantageous to genus Homo for several reasons. The correct answer to the question of why adding meat to the diet was advantageous to genus Homo is E) all of the above. Let's explore each reason:

• (A) Meat was available year-round, providing a reliable food source.
• (B) Meat consumption kept them satiated longer, reducing the time needed for foraging.
• (C) A small amount of meat contains a high caloric value and essential nutrients.
• (D) Meat is a rich source of protein, which is crucial for brain development and cognitive function.

The expensive tissue hypothesis suggests that a shift towards a diet rich in animal protein played a vital role in allowing the human brain to grow larger due to changes in metabolic energy allocation. This shift was also aided by the use of fire for cooking, which made meat easier to digest and nutrients more available. The combined benefits of meat included not only the direct nutritional value but also the social and cultural implications of sharing meals and improvements in hunting technology and strategies.