An interesting discovery shows that the metabolism of humans is unique in the animal kingdom. Our species is distinguished by an extraordinary energetic capacity, combining a high resting metabolism with intense physical activity. This remarkable adaptation may have played an important role in our evolution, leading to the development of larger brains and increased longevity.
Human evolution has always raised many questions. How have our species managed to develop such advanced cognitive abilities while maintaining activity? The bodyThe body Support? A study conducted by Harvard researchers sheds new light on this question. Their work suggests that humans have evolved a unique metabolism, allowing them to overcome energy constraints that limit other species.
The results of this study were published in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of SciencesChallenge preconceived notions about MetabolismMetabolism Humans Contrary to what was previously thought, our species has a significantly higher metabolic rate than other mammals, including our closest relatives, the great apes.
Daniel Lieberman, biologist and co-author of the study, highlights the abnormality of our metabolism: ” Humans are completely different from any other creature we know so far in terms of their usesEnergyEnergy This metabolic feature would have allowed our hunter-gatherer ancestors to:
- get all the food they need;
- the development of a large brain;
- live longer;
- Increasing their reproductive rate.
Overcoming Indigenous Energy Compromise
One of the most surprising findings of this research is that humans have managed to avoid a metabolic compromise that hinders most mammals, including other primates. In the latter, there is a tight balance between resting metabolism and physical activity.
Andrew Yagian, the team’s lead researcher, explains: Humans have not only increased our resting metabolism compared to chimpanzees and apes, but – thanks to our unique ability to excrete The heatThe heat We were also able to increase our physical activity level without lowering our resting metabolic rate – through sweat. ».
This remarkable adaptation has allowed our species to become “powerfully unique.” The following table illustrates the metabolic differences between humans and other species.
Species |
Resting metabolism |
Physical activity |
Human beings |
Disciple |
high |
The chimpanzee |
Disciple |
weak |
Other mammals |
moderate |
variable |
Implications for our understanding of human evolution
This discovery opens up new perspectives on human evolution. This suggests that our ability to simultaneously maintain a high resting metabolism and intense physical activity was a key factor in our development as a species.
The researchers found that apes and great apes evolved to invest about 30 to 50 percent. CaloriesCalories Excess in their resting metabolism compared to other mammals of the same size. Humans have taken this trend even further, consuming 60% more calories.
This unique metabolic adaptation may explain several distinctive features of our species:
- Development of a larger, more energetic brain.
- Increasing our longevity.
- Improving our reproductive abilities.
- Our ability to maintain constant physical activity.
The research team now plans to study metabolic differences between different human populations. Andrew Yagyan raises an interesting question: Since we evolved to be active, how does working at a desk change our metabolism in ways that affect our health? »
This question opens the way for future research into the effects of our modern lifestyle on our metabolism. It may also provide clues to better understand and prevent certain diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.
This important study of unique human metabolism sheds new light on our understanding of human evolution. This highlights the importance of our energetic adaptations in shaping our species and opens interesting avenues for future research.