It's true that bulls have been part of human mythology from the Palaeolithic
onwards - mostly as a symbol of fertility etc.. However, Palaeolithic
cave-paintings clearly show the giant aurochs(prehistoric cattle) being
hunted, rather than milked, so it's clear that Palaeolithic hunters never
domesticated animals. However, there does seem to be some small evidence
for the domestication of animals in the Mesolithic-era, prior to the
Neolithic-Age. Even that doesn't necessarily indicate that consumption of
raw-dairy occurred at that time. Also, interestingly, , a recent scientific
study re DNA suggests that widespread lactose-tolerance occurred at a
rather more recent date than the 9,000 years, previously quoted. Here's a
couple of standard articles re this:-
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/6397001.stm
http://arstechnica.com/journals/science.ars/2007/02/26/7232
The scientists behind the study claim, elsewhere, that widespread
lactose-tolerance in the European population only appeared c. 5,000 years
ago or so, c. 2,500 years after cattle-herding was introduced into Europe in
a big way.
As for Darwin's theory of natural selection, I would say that there is
rather too much evidence backing it, for it to be discounted. I'll admit,
though, that there are a number of other theories, within the whole field
of evolution, such as Gould's laughable claims re "punctuated
equilibrium", which are definitely shot full of holes.
Geoff
>
>Date: Tue, 29 May 2007 08:10:23 -0400
>From: William <[log in to unmask]>
>Subject: Re: Lactase Persistence & Natural Selection
>
>When the troll known as "the Church" achieves dominance of its victims, it
>destroys that wisdom contained in the lore of thousands of years.
>The troll failed, so a remnant remains; this is the creation story which
>includes Audhumbla, who was a cow thingy.
>It follows that Europeans were herdsmen from the beginning (Ginnungugap).
>Note the sig line.
>
>Natural selection is fashionable, not necessarily true.
>
>William
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