PS264 Chapter Notes - Chapter 3: Thermostat, Industrial Revolution, Mars Ill
Document Summary
Also eat for social or psychological reasons. Humans have evolved a number of mechanisms to guard against eating natural toxins. Smell and taste often a source of toxins. Gagging, spitting and vomiting is the second line of defense. Instead of digesting foods that are toxic, our body rejects it, and simple conditioning teaches us to avoid similar foods. Research to support food sensitivity in pregnant women. Plant toxins that can be tolerated by adults are linked to birth defects and spontaneous abortion. Sickness is at highest when embryo"s organ systems are being laid down and wane when nearing completion. Tend to avoid bitter, pungent, highly flavoured and novel foods. Greater pregnancy sickness less likely to bear offspring with birth defects: learned component. Organisms learn to avoid things that make them sick. Animals are biologically prepared to make certain associations and not others. Potentially toxic foods taken in small amounts might only make us sick, and will not result in death.