On Sun, 2 Jul 2000 10:31:56 EDT, Gawen Harrison <[log in to unmask]> wrote:

I wrote:
><< Vegetables are the high protein plants (per kcal) >>

Gawen:
>True, however, the fiber content makes it very hard to extract it from the
>plant.  Gorillas are probably the only ape that is vegetarian.

Yes, plant proteins are only extracted to a certain extent of
down to 75%. Plant energy (starch) is extracted in even smaller
percents (tubers down to 50%).
These percentages are drastically increased by cooking
(what supports the "Lucy at the Fireplace with Tubers" theory i cited).
However the *ratio* of kcal to protein isn't changed very much, and as
vegetables are so low in kcal they still are extreme high in
protein *per kcal*.

"Wombn" did a few times USDA database queries and sorts.
This question demanded a query sorted by protein divided by kcal.
(and Todds alpha lipoic idea: alpha lipoic acid divided by carbohydrate).


> However, the Gorilla is constantly eating
>vegetable matter. ..
>The Gorilla gut is also extended from the massive intake of leaves etc.

Truely attempting to get ones protein from vegetables needs bulk.
E.g. Fennel (one of my favourite raw) needs 2.2 kg for the 55g progein.
But 8.5 kg for the  2400 kcal.  And that's 350% protein.
As our stomach has 2.5 liters volume.. it needs to be filled 3 or 4 times
for 8.5 kg.

No wonder, that the gorillas eat permanentely.
Humans are adapted to somewhat less fibrous and denser matter.
The teeth are smaller and the colon is shorter.
Only 2 kg sweetpotatoe (or similar roots) or 400g seeds deliver the
same energy. Keep in mind the biger brain to nourish.
Or 2 kg rabbit, to be honest to those who assume meat as the denser
diet part of homo erectus, and not tubers/seeds.
I personally would prefer (do prefer) 2kg sweetpotatoe over 2kg rabbit.
With its nutritional profile the roots seem to be *much* better suited
especially for a big brain. If it was the game then we would cetrainly have
evolved double sized kidneys.

Lucy at the fireplace with tuuubers. With or without early fire.

Amadeus S.