The Expensive-Tissue Hypothesis, proposed in 1995, explores the evolutionary trade-off between brain size and digestive tract size in primates. This idea suggests that species could allocate more energy to developing larger brains by reducing energy needs for digestion. Although recent studies challenge this hypothesis, it still provide valuable insights into how dietary changes may have enabled early humans to evolve larger brains by consuming more energy-dense foods.
Key Takeaways:
Larger brains in humans are thought to be linked to dietary shifts towards energy-dense foods.
Recent research finds no negative correlation between brain size and digestive organ size across 100 mammalian species, questioning the hypothesis.
Energy trade-offs with other tissues, like fat, may also influence brain size variations.
Factors like increased energy intake and efficient locomotion strategies likely contribute to brain size evolution.
Maintaining a healthy body weight and cognitive function is crucial. A balanced diet, rich in nutrients, supports physical and mental health.
Navarrete A, van Schaik CP, Isler K. Energetics and the evolution of human brain size. Nature. 2011;480(7375):91-3.
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