A photo from open sources
Robert Dudley in his new book “The Drunk Monkey” tried find the link between alcohol abuse and evolution people and animals. Robert chose as an example of this relationship monkeys because they are lovers of ripe fruit, and in ripe fruits are known to have a small amount alcohol. Since Robert Dudley’s father was a drunkard, a question? in what the destructive appeal of alcohol, writer-biologist relevant since childhood. Watching the monkeys who are happy to eat ripe, containing a small the amount of alcohol is fruit, Robert thought – maybe alcoholism is normal phenomenon generated by the evolution of life on Earth? Microscopic yeast found in ripe fruit produce a small amount of ethanol (ethyl alcohol). Robert’s concept suggests that all animals, including primates and other mammals, as well as insects and reptiles, use the smell of ethanol as a signal indicating that the fetus has ripened and can be eaten. In addition, the ethanol content indicates other benefits of the fruit, as ethyl alcohol not only stimulates the appetite, but also keeps the fetus from bacteria. Dudley writes that to date, scientists know little about the natural formation of ethanol and its role in animal diets. In addition, Dudley sees a close relationship between attraction to alcohol and adaptation in the natural world. However in modern society there are too many people to drink, so this adaptation leads to a serious problem like alcoholism. Despite the book examples and evidence, Dudley’s idea turned out to be highly controversial. Following the release of The Drunken Monkey, environmentalist Katherine Milton published criticism in an integrative and comparative journal biology. Katherine emphasizes that the strong smell of ethanol does not attracts, but on the contrary, scares away eating primates. She writes that in overripe fruits the alcohol content is much higher than ripe fruits, however, both humans and animals do not overripe fruits are eaten. Another point of contention is the effect of alcohol on the health of people and animals. Dudley in his book refers to studies confirming beneficial the effect on the body of moderate consumption of ethanol and its destructive effects at high doses. The author is sure that it is these conflicting effects are proof of lasting the evolutionary period of exposure to “pleasant toxin” on organisms people and animals. However, Catherine Milton has her own theory about hobbies of mankind with ethanol. She believes that unlike of our primates relatives, people do not possess an innate food selectivity. In addition, people like to consume substances that affect the psyche. This is most likely and is the reason for the popularity of alcohol.
Fruit Evolution
