Hunter-gatherer past shows our fragile bones result from inactivity since invention of farming
http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2014/12/141222165033.htm
Summary
New research shows that human skeletons have become lighter and more fragile since the invention of agriculture because of the changes in our lifestyle. Studies show that hunter-gatherers from 7000 years ago at significantly more strength than farmers 6000 years later. Bone mass was about 20% higher in hunter-gatherer's . Researchers have concluded that the reduction in physical activity is whats causing our bones to become more fragile. In fact, this trend can be dangerous as we are doing less and less with our bodies today. Based on this, researches are starting to believe exercise and not diets are the key to prevent bone fractures and injuries. As professor Dr. Collin Shaw from the University of Cambridge said, "Sitting in a car or in front of a desk is not what we have evolved to do." Shaw goes on to say that we can be as strong as orangutans, but we're not challenging our bones enough. This new research helps us understand human evolution a bit more.
Relevance
This article relates to our current curriculum because we are studying evolution right now. This shows how not doing something can also cause us to change as opposed to natural selection. Instead of one of our ancestors being faster or stronger than the others and passing those traits on, this is us adapting to a new lifestyle, and the lack of the necessity to be stronger or faster that also caused us to change.
"Hunter-gatherer past Shows Our Fragile Bones Result from Inactivity since Invention of Farming." ScienceDaily. ScienceDaily, 22 Dec. 2014. Web. 07 Jan. 2015.
Is there research on bone structure recently, say the past century, that shows the trend of bones becoming more fragile? If so is there research that the number of bone fractures and injuries increases alongside weakening bones?
ReplyDeleteYes there is recent research that bones are becoming more fragile due to the lack of intensive use of them. In the article, it doesn't say bone fractures could increase but with weaker bones, there is a possibility that fractures may become more common. However, since we don't use them as intensely, it is probably unlikely.
DeleteHave there been any experiments done by the researchers to back up their findings, or is this based on observation?
ReplyDeleteThis was based off an observation of bone mass. On the website, there is a diagram that shows bone mass between hunter-gatherers and farmers, and the researchers worked from there.
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