Eating Insects May Be a 9,000-Year-Old Habit

Topic: Biology

Scientists studied ancient DNA to find out why people in some cultures don't eat insects. They found that Europeans may have stopped eating insects around 9,000 years ago.

As the world's population grows and climate change affects food systems, researchers are looking for alternative sources of nutrition. Insects are one option, as many species can be eaten safely. However, in Western societies, there is a strong dislike for entomophagy – eating insects.

A team from the Institute of Evolutionary Biology (IBE) examined 745 samples of dental calculus from humans dating back to 33,000 years. Dental tartar can trap DNA from species that were regularly eaten, giving researchers a record of ancient diets. The results showed that modern humans in northern Eurasia did not eat insects regularly.

The team also looked at genes involved in breaking down chitin, a key component of insect exoskeletons. They found that North Eurasian populations have mutations associated with reduced ability to digest insect exoskeletons. This genetic pattern has persisted for around 9,000 years, dating back to the rise of agriculture.

The study suggests that Europeans may not eat insects because it is a long-standing habit, rather than just a recent cultural choice. The researchers also found that Neanderthals ate more insects than modern humans, with evidence pointing to regular consumption of animal carcasses containing fly larvae.

Why It Matters

This research can help us understand why some cultures are resistant to eating insects and how we can make sustainable food choices for the future.

Key Facts

• 1,611 insect species are classified as edible.
• The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) considers insects a potentially sustainable food source.
• The study found that Europeans may have stopped eating insects around 9,000 years ago.
• Neanderthals ate more insects than modern humans.
• Dental tartar can trap DNA from species that were regularly eaten.

Key Terms

Entomophagy

Eating insects.

Chitin

A key component of insect exoskeletons.

Dental calculus

Tartar that can trap DNA from species that were regularly eaten.

Implications

This research can help us understand why some cultures are resistant to eating insects and how we can make sustainable food choices for the future.