Knowledge Tree
Relations (1)
related 0.30 — supporting 3 facts
The brain and digestive system are evolutionarily linked by the 'expensive-tissue hypothesis,' which posits a trade-off between their sizes [1], allowing a meat-rich diet to shrink the digestive system and free energy for a larger brain [2]. Physiologically, during exertion, the digestive system reduces activity to redirect blood to the brain [3].
Facts (3)
Sources
7 Major Organ Systems: Functions and Connections instituteofhumananatomy.com 1 fact
claimDuring physical exertion, the human digestive system temporarily reduces activity to redirect blood flow to critical areas such as the brain and muscles.
How do we know what they ate? - The Australian Museum australian.museum 1 fact
claimIncreasing the proportion of meat in the diet allowed the digestive system of human ancestors to shrink, freeing up energy to sustain a larger brain.
the evolutionary impact of dietary shifts on physical and cognitive ... pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov 1 fact
referenceAiello L.C. and Wheeler P. proposed the 'expensive-tissue hypothesis,' which examines the relationship between the brain and the digestive system in human and primate evolution.