The diets common to some cultures emphasize meat Meat milk a

The diets common to some cultures emphasize meat. Meat, milk, and bread, but few fruits and vegetables, might be a typical meal for populations in northern latitudes and in desert areas, for example. What ecological factors seem relevant in explaining this human habit?

Solution

Various studies have shown that populations living in northern latitude and desert areas have dietary patterns higher in animal fat such as meat and dairy products compared to those living in southern latitudes who thrive majorly on fruits and vegetables. This may be because land in northern and desert areas had been less fertile to grow seasonal vegeies, due to extremes of environment and limited rainfalls. People living in these areas over generations have been mostly hunter-gatherers. Such societies had depended for their economic survival primarily on hunting, gathering (wild vegetable and fruits and small land fauna), and fishing. Thus they might have developed the food habit of increased meat and milk consumption (as they are largely dependent on herd of cattle/animals) along with staple diet of breads, over the generations.

On the other hand, southern populations residing on more fertile pieces of land relish a vegetarian diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables. They are richer in biodiversity due to moderate climates and rainfall distribution throughtout the year. These populations are typically farmers, food growers over several generations and have developed food habits of vegetarian diets.