In the course of evolution, living organisms underwent a great number of transformations in order to adjust to the changes in the external environment. The comparison of various species indicates that herbivore animals have certain common characteristics such as the shape of teeth or secretion (Hill, 2000, p. 74). Moreover, it is sometimes argued that human beings were also intended to be herbivores. This argument can be challenged in several ways. First of all, any species should adjust to the habitat. In particular, it may have to eat different types of food. Therefore, it is more likely that humans were omnivores. Secondly, it is not possible to disregard the attributes which differ a human being from other animals that eat only plants. Finally, one can say that the very concept of intention is not applicable to the process of evolution.
One of the main issues that should be considered is the adaptability of a species. In other words, it has to react to the possible changes in climate, vegetation, availability of food, the number of predators, and so forth. A human being also had to adjust to the environment. Therefore, it is more likely that this species evolved to be omnivorous (Poy, 2011, p. 65). It should be noted that many animals have to make changes in their diet. For example, some bears can be herbivores at a time when other food sources become scanty (Poy, 2011, p. 65). However, they can also eat meat. Thus, it is not likely that human beings were supposed to be exclusively herbivores.
As it has been said before, this argument is premised on the idea that humans have the characteristics of herbivores, for instance, small mouths, the side-to-side motion of jaws, or the ability to suck water in the stomach (Blatt, 2001, p. 196). Nevertheless, it is necessary to mention those features which distinguish a human being from other herbivores. For instance, a human being secretes hydrochloric acids in their stomachs while animals that eat predominantly plants do not do it (Blatt, 2001, p. 196). Furthermore, humans have canine teeth, and their presence suggests that this species could be omnivorous from the very beginning (Blatt, 2001, p. 196). This is another issue that should be considered. Moreover, one should take into account that, unlike many other herbivores, a human being has a short intestinal tract. Finally, the digestive system of humans contains enzymes that can digest the proteins of both plants and animals (Hobson, 1997, p. 1). Thus, one cannot say human beings were designed to eat only plants.
Apart from that, it is necessary to remember that such concepts as intention and design are not relevant to the development of a species (Clayton 2004). These notions imply that a species should follow some pre-determined pattern. Nevertheless, such a view is recognized by biologists. This is why one cannot say that a species was intended to act in a certain way. As it has been noted before, animals had to adjust to the new living conditions. Therefore, they may have to change their diet.
Overall, this discussion suggests that humans could not be intended to be only herbivores. More likely, they evolved to be omnivorous animals. This quality could be crucial for the very survival of the species. Certainly, a human being bears some similarities to other herbivorous animals. However, one should not forget about the characteristics which make humans similar to carnivores. This is one of the main issues that should not be overlooked.
Reference List
Blatt, A. (2001). America’s Food. Cambridge, MA: MIT Press.
Clayton, P. (2004). Evolution and Ethics: Human Morality in Biological and Religious Perspective. Boston, MA: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing.
Hill, J. (2000). The Case for Vegetarianism: Philosophy for a Small Planet. New York, NY: Rowman & Littlefield Publishers.
Hobson, P. (1997). Rumen Microbial Ecosystem. New York, NY: Springer.
Poy, B. (2011). Vegetarianism Unmasked. Boston, MA: AuthorHouse.