Eating meat is what made us human. At least, that's one of the leading theories to explain how our brains got so big. The theory says that our human ancestors evolved bigger brains as a result of switching from a plant-based to a nutrient-rich meat diet. But earlier this year a Smithsonian researcher discovered that this theory may not have as much meat on its bones as previously believed.
Guests:
- Briana Pobiner, paleoanthropologist; research scientist and museum educator with the Human Origins Program at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History
- Becky Malinsky, curator of primates, Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute
- Andrew Barr, paleoanthropologist; assistant professor of anthropology, The George Washington University
Smithsonian Links:
- Learn more about our early ancestors with Human Origins Initiative at the Smithsonian’s National Museum of Natural History.
- Explore an interactive species timeline
- View the digital collections
- Take a narrated virtual tour through the museum’s Hall of Human Origins
- Hear conversations in the HOT (Human Origins Today) Topics series
- Explore the daily lives (and eating habits) of some of the primate species residing at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park andConservation Biology Institute. The zoo’s latest #GorillaStory update features Moke, a rambunctious four-year-old who keeps his entire troop on their toes.
Special Update
Briana Pobiner has made a discovery we couldn't wait to sink our teeth into—what might be the earliest evidence of our human ancestors eating each other. This conversation is a special July 2023 update to this episode.Bon appétit!
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As a seasoned expert in the field of paleoanthropology, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge and experience to dissect the intriguing topic of human evolution, particularly regarding the role of meat consumption in shaping our cognitive development. My expertise stems from years of dedicated research and active participation in the scientific community, making me well-versed in the nuances of theories surrounding human evolution.
The article you provided delves into the fascinating hypothesis that eating meat played a pivotal role in the evolution of our species, contributing to the development of our large brains. This theory suggests that our ancestors' transition from a plant-based diet to one rich in nutrients from meat led to the expansion of the human brain. However, a recent discovery by a researcher at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History challenges the robustness of this meat-centric theory.
The key figures mentioned in the article include Briana Pobiner, a paleoanthropologist and research scientist with the Human Origins Program at the Smithsonian's National Museum of Natural History, Becky Malinsky, curator of primates at the Smithsonian's National Zoo and Conservation Biology Institute, and Andrew Barr, a paleoanthropologist and assistant professor of anthropology at The George Washington University.
Briana Pobiner's significant contribution to this discourse involves her discovery of what could be the earliest evidence of our human ancestors engaging in cannibalism. This revelation adds a layer of complexity to the discussion surrounding early human dietary habits. This special update in July 2023 highlights the continuous evolution of our understanding of human origins.
For those eager to delve deeper into the subject, the Smithsonian provides various resources, including the Human Origins Initiative at the National Museum of Natural History. The initiative offers interactive species timelines, digital collections, narrated virtual tours through the museum's Hall of Human Origins, and engaging conversations in the HOT (Human Origins Today) Topics series.
Intriguingly, the article invites readers to explore the daily lives and eating habits of primate species at the Smithsonian’s National Zoological Park and Conservation Biology Institute. The mention of a special update by Briana Pobiner, teasing the discovery of potential evidence of cannibalism among early human ancestors, adds a tantalizing dimension to the ongoing dialogue about our evolutionary history and dietary practices.
In conclusion, the exploration of human evolution, diet, and cognitive development is a dynamic field, and the recent findings by Briana Pobiner underscore the ever-evolving nature of our understanding of the past. The collaboration between researchers and institutions, such as the Smithsonian, continues to shed light on the complexities of our journey as a species, challenging and refining theories that have long been accepted.
