The Drunken Monkey Theory
Why do we Homo sapiens love alcohol?
Could it be that our love of alcohol is genetically encoded in our species due to millions of years of evolution? Fossilized teeth show that between 45 million and 34 million years ago, human ancestors and our closest relatives -gorillas, chimpanzees and orangutans – ate a diet that was rich in fruit. Natural selection favored primates who could detect and appreciate the smell of fruit and out-compete others in its collection. As the fruit fell from the source and lay on the ground, the yeast on the fruits skin would consume the sugar molecules in the fruit and ferment into alcohol. Thus, our (meaning us primates) highly developed sensitivity to the smell of alcohol. 10,000 years ago our species became agriculturalists and produced plenty of barley and malt. Populations gathered in the first cities to share the product of their labor – BEER! We have evidence of Stone Age beer jugs from approximately this period. This theory deemed the “drunken monkey hypothesis” was first proposed by Professor Robert Dudley of the University of California at Berkley.
For the most definitive guide to the complex relationship between humans and alcohol, please read Drink, by Ian Gately. You’ll find an outrageously entertaining account of the history of alcohol in Frank Kelly Rich’s book, Modern Drunkard. For a more scientific history you should check out The Science of Drinking (How Alcohol Affects Your Body and Mind) by Amitava Dasgupta.
DUI attorney Charles M. Rowland II dedicates his practice to defending the accused drunk driver in Fairborn, Dayton, Springfield, Kettering, Vandalia, Xenia, Miamisburg, Huber Heights, Beavercreek, Centerville and throughout Ohio. He has the credentials and the experience to win your case and has made himself the Miami Valley’s choice for DUI defense. Contact Charles Rowland by phone at 937-318-1DUI (937-318-1384), 937-879-9542, or toll-free at 1-888-ROWLAND (888-769-5263). For after-hours help contact our 24/7 DUI HOTLINE at 937-776-2671. For information about Dayton DUI sent directly to your mobile device, text DaytonDUI (one word) to 50500. Follow DaytonDUI on Twitter @DaytonDUI or Get Twitter updates via SMS by texting DaytonDUI to 40404. DaytonDUI is also available on Facebook, www.facebook.com/daytondui and on the DaytonDUI channel on YouTube. You can also email Charles Rowland at: CharlesRowland@DaytonDUI.com or write to us at 2190 Gateway Dr., Fairborn, Ohio 45324.
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