Taste perception and food choices in capuchin monkeys and human children.

摘要: Despite more than 40 million years of independent evolution, capuchin monkeys and human children share several features that make a comparison in the domain feeding behaviour interesting. As with humans, have long life span an extended infancy period; moreover, they are omnivorous food neophobic. In both species, taste provides immediate powerful feedback when selecting foods. acceptance rejection responses evident beginning early infancy, before experiencing any consequences from ingestion sweet or bitter substances. Similarly, capuchins initially prefer novel foods high sugar content is readily perceived through taste. However, after repeated encounters these foods, change their preferences, responding to coming foods' energy content, order maximize net gain energy. Also children, positive can be associated flavour increase its consumption. Preschool learn caloric over low use different flavours as cues distinguish Another factor influencing consumption how often it encountered. For capuchins, remains unfamiliar only for first few encounters. children’s neophobic response decreases exposures Furthermore, species social influences may help overcome neophobia accelerate into diet. conclusion, we argue provide good model investigating factors affecting acquisition diet children.