What would be the major changes to our body if we were herbivores?

As far as I can tell, the major changes would be to the human digestive system, as well as to all body parts involved in processing food.

Teeth

The teeth of carnivores and herbivores differ because they eat different things, which require different techniques to chew. Plant matter is a lot different in consistency when compared to a slab of meat. Wikipedia has a nice note on the subject:

The shape of the animal's teeth are related to its diet. For example, plant matter is hard to digest, so herbivores have many molars for chewing and grinding. Carnivores, on the other hand, need canines to kill prey and to tear meat.

Our teeth are best suited to eat both meat and plants; if we became herbivores, I would expect that our molars would develop even more, while our front teeth would become less developed.

Stomach

As you mentioned there are conspicuously low levels of protein in plants. Herbivores, as a whole, will most likely receive a different set of nutrients than carnivores. Stomach enzymes and fluids work to break down different substances; we would see a change in these enzymes and acids as more plant matter was introduced into our diet.

If Wikipedia is correct, the major protein-processing enzymes include proteases and peptidases. We might see reduced numbers of these in a group of herbivorous humans. These acids are active all over the digestive system, so other organs would be affected

Would our bodys be weaker because its not getting any protein from meat?

Have you ever fought a 400 lb gorilla? Exactly.

posted almost 10 years ago

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