在人的演化历程中有两条最醒目的轨迹：一个是脑容量迅速增大，另一个是基础代谢率—骨骼尺寸的同 步提高。人类的脑容量远远超过其他哺乳动物。首先是绝对体积很大，人类大脑的平均容量约为1350毫 升，而同等体型的哺乳动物平均只有200毫升左右。 本文来自微信公众号：返朴 （ID：fanpu2019），作者：赵蓓，题图来自：视觉中国 更重要的是它占身体总质量的比例也很高，人类大脑重量约1.3～1.4kg，约占身体重量的2%，而其他哺 乳动物如大象，脑部甚至占不到体重的0.1%。更不用说人脑的结构和功能有多么复杂，从而进化出语 言、计划和复杂社交技能。有趣的是，脑容量的演化竟也和食物有关，在250万年前开始食用肉类之 后，大脑容量曾经历过显著的增长。 小时候爸妈常把肉夹到我们碗里，说多吃肉才能长个儿。确实，随着生活水平的不断改善，中国人均肉 类摄入量直线上升，从1960年代初不足5公斤飙升至目前接近40公斤[1]。国人的平均身高也从1985年的 男生167cm，女生157cm提升到了2024年的男性175cm，女性163cm，是全球身高增幅最快的国家[2]。不 过肉的摄入量和身高之间究竟有没有什么必然的联系或者因果关系？ ...

Core Insights - The research provides molecular genetic evidence supporting the hypothesis that meat consumption has shaped human evolution, contributing to physical stature and cognitive abilities [8][9]. Group 1: Genetic Findings - A specific ancient genetic variant, "rs34590044-A," has been identified as a key factor in the evolutionary development of human height and metabolic rate, regulating the ACSF3 gene [3][4]. - The study reveals a genetic correlation between height and metabolic rate, indicating that both traits share a common genetic basis [4][6]. - The rs34590044-A mutation enhances the expression of the ACSF3 gene, which is crucial for metabolizing nutrients from meat, leading to more efficient energy utilization [6][7]. Group 2: Evolutionary Implications - The presence of the rs34590044-A mutation is significantly higher in populations with a history of high meat consumption, suggesting it was favored under evolutionary pressures related to diet [7][8]. - This research contributes to a broader understanding of human adaptive evolution, linking genetic variations to dietary changes and their impact on human development [8]. Group 3: Broader Context - The study situates the ACSF3 gene and the rs34590044-A variant within a larger framework of human metabolic adaptation, alongside other known genetic adaptations related to diet [8]. - It emphasizes that while the rs34590044-A mutation may enhance meat metabolism, it does not imply that individuals without this mutation cannot benefit from meat consumption [9][10].