I want some information on how humans in their natural state, (i.e living in forests or caves or wherever they lived, not in settlements)
What would they eat, what would relationships between men and women be, would the father stay with his children?
Would they live in large groups?
How long would women breastfeed for?
What would the life expectancy be?
Any information or links would be greatly appreciated
2007-03-02 23:01:15 · 5 answers · asked by cigaro19 5 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
Well, the earliest humans were hunter gatherers and they used to live in small nomadic (wandering) groups. After the agricultural revolution they began to realise that they didn't have to travel for their food, rather thay could grow staple foods themselves and stay in the same place. That would probably be what humans in their natural state would do. The father would stay with the family in one sense but would be the one doing the hunting and providing for the family during the day. I think the mother would continue breast feeding for a long while; at least until the child was about 4. This is because they wouldn't have access to artificial foods which are used as replacements in our World.
Life expectancy would be a lot lower- probably about 40 because of susceptibility to diseases, a lack of immunisation and a lack of medicines (except for natural medicines). They would have only very basic shelters where they aren't totally covered from the elements.
There are groups that live like this now e.g. in the Amazon Rainforest there are a lot of tribal groups thought to be living in the dense forest where no one can reach them. They have discovered a few groups on the peripheries who have never contacted with 'modern humans' before and believe there to be a lot more.
2007-03-02 23:12:45 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
Humans are as much animals when it comes to behaviour: read Desmond Morris' book, The Naked Ape. The veneer of civilization is a thin one and it can tear in any stressful situation: what was the movie made about the plane crash in the Alps and the survivors partook of their dead co-travellers for survival. Cannibalism is not a strange occurrance to humanity. As for sexual behaviour, promiscuity, divorce and other devious behaviours from gay/lesbian to sado-masochism, you name it, we have it. However I would not say there are no good people at all. But if they make some 2% of one end of the spectrum the other end would be serial killers, child molestors and all sorts of mean persons. Still we do recognize saints, martyrs and other altruistic persons. It takes all kinds, doesn't it? See anthropological sources for your assignment.
2007-03-04 11:53:30 · answer #2 · answered by straightener 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Why do you think human's 'natural state' is living in a forest or cave?
Your question is based on evolutionary assumptions.
I contend that mankind has always been highly intelligent.
Adam and Eve were likely more intellignet than us - we have been devolving ever since.
Adam's son Cain built a city.
As for family relationships - the norm was marriage from the beginning.
2007-03-03 14:20:02 · answer #3 · answered by a Real Truthseeker 7 · 0⤊ 2⤋
One thing that should not be overlooked is that there would have been "war" between groups. It is human (and Chimpanzee) nature for the males to make war on males of other groups. Us vs them. Many male mammals fight with their own kind, but humans and chimps are the only ones where these fights are to the death.
2007-03-03 09:03:13 · answer #4 · answered by Joan H 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Look at primates in their natural behavior. We would be similar. Small Family groups, close bonds, hunting and gathering.(No farming yet). Cooking most stuff over a fire. Living to the ripe old age of about 30....if your lucky.
2007-03-03 07:05:06 · answer #5 · answered by summit_of_human_intellect 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋