What effect did the improved diet have on hominins over time?

Prepare for the VCE Biology Test. Study with flashcards and multiple choice questions, each question has hints and explanations. Get ready for your exam!

The improved diet had a significant impact on hominins, particularly in the context of brain development. The correct answer, which indicates that it led to increased brain size, is based on the understanding that a more nutritious and varied diet provided essential nutrients necessary for brain growth and development.

Hominins who transitioned to a diet that included more energy-dense foods such as meat and cooked plants were able to meet the high metabolic demands of a larger brain. This dietary change is often associated with advancements in hunting techniques, the use of tools, and the control of fire, which altogether played a critical role in enhancing the nutritional quality of their food sources.

As brain size increased, this also correlated with improved cognitive abilities, allowing for more complex social structures, problem-solving skills, and cultural developments. The evolution of a larger brain in hominins marks a pivotal point in our lineage, underpinning significant developments in behavior and technology. This relationship between diet and brain size emphasizes the crucial role that nutrition plays in evolutionary adaptations.

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