When early humans mastered the use of fire, their immediate rewards were warmth, light, and protection from nocturnal predators.
Investigators have assumed that our ancestors also quickly realized the advantages of flame-cooked food — easy chewing and digestion — though clear evidence has been hard to find. A new study bolsters that idea, showing that we share our fondness for cooked grub with our wild cousins, the great apes.
Victoria Wobber and her graduate advisor at Harvard University, Richard Wrangham, along with a third colleague, gave a choice between cooked and raw food to a number of captive apes.
Chimpanzees clearly preferred cooked carrots, sweet potatoes, and beef over the raw alternatives. They did not express any preference in the case of white potatoes and apples — perhaps, the scientists say, because both remain relatively unchanged by cooking. A few bonobos, gorillas, and orangutans were also tested, and except for a penchant for cooked beef, not many expressed a preference, but those that did agreed with the chimps.
The findings concur with research showing that cats favor cooked meat and rats opt for cooked starch.
If animals with no regular access to cooked food nevertheless prefer it, it is plausible that our ancestors would have readily roasted their own victuals once they got the chance — a fine story to tell your guests around the barbecue this evening.
MANCHESTER UNITED NEWS
NEXT MATCH
UNITED VS MIDDLESBROUGH
tues 23Sep.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side were making their way to Euston for their return journey to the north-west after the 1-1 draw with Chelsea when a bottle was hurled at the windscreen.
No-one was injured, although the windscreen was cracked.
Nevertheless, the team continued on their short trip across London without further incident.
United officials were eager to play down the incident afterwards.
"Yes. There was an incident but the matter is now in the hands of the police,'' said a club spokesman.
Last time United visited the stadium Patrice Evra became involved in a heated post-match exchange with Chelsea groundsman Sam Bethell which is still the subject of an FA investigation while Rio Ferdinand was forced to apologise to a female steward after kicking a ball at her in anger.
Today's encounter was not much less contentious, with United picking up seven yellow cards from referee Mike Riley which will now see them fined by the FA.
A Chelsea statement tonight read: "We are aware of reports of an altercation with the Manchester United bus as it left the Stamford Bridge area.
"It appears to be an isolated incident but we have launched a full investigation in conjunction with local authorities.
"We do not condone violence in any shape or form. If, as a result of our investigations, we find that any Chelsea supporters were involved we will take appropriate action against those individuals.''
Tevez's two-year loan deal with Manchester United is due to end next spring, with the Old Trafford club keen to complete a permanent contract.
Earlier this week the 24-year-old admitted he would sign a United offer as soon as it was put before him.
However, reports have emerged claiming cash-rich City are eager to poach the South American.
However, Joorabchian is adamant Tevez, who was left on the bench for today's clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge, has no desire to join City and will eventually sign for United as planned.
"Carlos is not joining Manchester City," said Joorabchian, who is no longer the head of MSI, having left the company to take charge of a loose grouping of like-minded businessmen.
"All this talk linking him with them is a complete load of nonsense.
"He is a Manchester United player through and through and is looking forward to signing a long-term contract with them in the near future."
City tried to trump United on deadline day as they closed in on Dimitar Berbatov and have even been linked with a £135m deal for Cristiano Ronaldo, a suggestion derided by both Sir Alex Ferguson and chief executive David Gill.
END!~ 5.19am