LogFAQs > #895227474

Giblet_Enjoyer posted...

prince_leo posted...

Doctor Foxx posted...

Although most of us conduct our lives as omnivores, in that we eat flesh as well as vegetables and fruits, human beings have characteristics of herbivores, not carnivores (2). The appendages of carnivores are claws; those of herbivores are hands or hooves. The teeth of carnivores are sharp; those of herbivores are mainly flat (for grinding). The intestinal tract of carnivores is short (3 times body length); that of herbivores, long (12 times body length). Body cooling of carnivores is done by panting; herbivores, by sweating. Carnivores drink fluids by lapping; herbivores, by sipping. Carnivores produce their own vitamin C, whereas herbivores obtain it from their diet. Thus, humans have characteristics of herbivores, not carnivores.

is there any particular reason why they mention omnivores but then go on only to describe herbivores and carnivores?

I saw some version of that that said omnivores generally have the characteristics of herbivores, since plants are tougher to digest

Internally in many ways, yes. There's a great deal of variety. Not all omnivores are created equally. Chimpanzees are omnivores because they can and do eat some meat--however, over 97% of their diet consists of fruit and other plants. Functionally they are herbivores.

I'm not suggesting humans are strictly herbivores like a deer... wait even deer eat some meat sometimes. but humans are like chimpanzees, in that they are omnivores yet animal products have no place in the daily diet. too much is harmful. And boy do modern humans overdo it!

What I should have said is omnivores that are meant to regularly eat meat retain hunting characteristics. And omnivores that don't often eat meat are usually referred to as herbivores.
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