Omnivores

These flashcards cover key concepts related to omnivores and animal nutrition, focusing on definitions and important terms discussed in the lecture.

Omnivores

Animals that obtain energy and nutrients from both plants and animals.

Neophobia

Fear of new things, which can protect us from poisoning but may prevent consumption of nutritious foods.

Neophilia

Openness to new things, allowing the trial of new foods but may cause poisoning.

The Expensive Tissue Hypothesis

A hypothesis proposing that the requirement for large brains is offset by the reduction of other tissues like guts.

Trophic Flexibility

The ability to eat a wide variety of food sources, making omnivores more adaptable.

Leptin

A peptide hormone released from adipose tissue that regulates long-term energy balance.

Ghrelin

A hormone released from the stomach that stimulates appetite when it is empty.

CCK (Cholecystokinin)

A hormone released from the small intestine that signals the presence of nutrients and inhibits appetite.

PYY (Peptide YY)

A hormone released from the small intestine that helps suppress appetite.

GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1)

A hormone that inhibits appetite and is released in response to nutrient detection in the gut.

Hyperphagia

The condition of excessive eating, often observed in bears before hibernation.

Intermediary Metabolism

The metabolic processes that occur to transform food into energy and utilize nutrients in the body.

Cognitive Niche

The dependence on cognitive abilities such as memory and recognition to determine food choices.

Cultural Food Taboos

Socially or religiously restricted foods that affect dietary choices and norms.

Dietary Adaptations in Homo sapiens

The specific teeth and digestive enzymes humans possess that are suited for an omnivorous diet.

Disgust

An emotional response that protects from consuming harmful substances by avoiding them.