Why do people avoid perfectly edible animals?
Using data on 57 animals and 200+ hunter-gatherers, I tested several hypotheses. The results support evolved cognitive intuitions rather than pathogen avoidance or conservation explanations.
Open access paper: www.sciencedirect.com/science/arti...
sciencedirect.com
Why not eat certain animals? Evolved cognitive intuitions shape food taboos in Congo Basin hunter-gatherers
Food taboos and avoidances are widespread across human societies and present a longstanding evolutionary puzzle: why do people refrain from consuming …