Stranded Uruguayan rugby team in a 1972 Andes plane crash resorted to consuming the remains of their fellow passengers, surviving for over two months.
In the vast and diverse world of nature, cannibalism is a behaviour observed across many species, not just the infamous black widow spider or praying mantis. This natural behaviour, while often seen as abhorrent in human societies, has been documented in various contexts and circumstances.
During the Cultural Revolution in China, extreme famine led many people to resort to "starvation cannibalism." This tragic event, a stark reminder of the devastating effects of famine, is a sombre chapter in human history.
In a more unexpected turn, spadefoot toads have evolved to employ cannibalism as a survival strategy. When their ponds are in danger of drying up, these toads will consume their brethren to mature faster and leave the pond quicker.
The practice of cannibalism has also been documented in human history, often under catastrophic conditions. One such instance is the Uruguayan rugby team who survived a 1972 plane crash in the Andes by consuming the flesh of their deceased teammates. Citing Communion as a justification, this act was a desperate measure among the survivors who endured for 72 days before being rescued.
Another famous example of "survival cannibalism" is the Donner Party, who engaged in cannibalism during their ordeal in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Cannibalism-associated diseases, such as kuru and mad cow disease, are fatal and can be caused by eating infected nervous tissue. Mad cow disease, transmitted to humans due to the practice of feeding ground up entrails from cows to cattle as a protein supplement, serves as a grim reminder of the potential dangers of this practice.
Throughout history, the idea of cannibalism has been used to de-humanize people encountered on conquests. It was also used by the West to justify conquest, particularly in the New World.
Interestingly, the author of a book on cannibalism reported that his view of human beings was not significantly changed by writing the book, suggesting that cannibalism has occurred for thousands of years under certain circumstances. He was also surprised by the prevalence of cannibalism in nature and the extent of medicinal cannibalism in Europe, where human body parts were used up to the beginning of the 19th century.
China has a history of "gourmet cannibalism," with emperors and members of the imperial court enjoying humans as a type of food. However, it's important to note that this practice is widely considered to be a violation of human rights and is universally condemned today.
In recent times, the controversy over the Donner Party's cannibalism arose in 2010, sparking renewed interest in this dark chapter of American history. Researchers started to uncover many instances of cannibalism across the animal kingdom in the 1970s and '80s, shedding light on this often-misunderstood behaviour.
As we continue to explore the complexities of nature and human history, it's crucial to approach these topics with an open mind and a respect for the facts. Understanding the reasons behind cannibalism in various species and historical contexts can help us gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience and adaptability of life on Earth.
[1] Andes Survivors Ate Dead Teammates to Stay Alive [2] The Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571 [3] The Miracle of the Andes
[1] The infamous Uruguayan rugby team, stranded in the Andes, resorted to an extreme measure to survive after a plane crash: consuming the flesh of their deceased teammates.[2] In the tragic incident of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, the survivors who endured for 72 days before being rescued cited Communion as a justification for their cannibalistic actions.[3] One of the most renowned examples of "survival cannibalism", the experiences of the Uruguayan rugby team in the Andes have been documented in general-news articles and became the subject of books like "Miracle in the Andes".
[4] Climate change is affecting the natural history of various animal species, altering their habitats and behaviors in unexpected ways. For instance, spadefoot toads have developed a cannibalistic survival strategy when their ponds start drying up, accelerating their maturity and departure from the pond.
[5] Akin to the species adapting to changing climates, our diets too have evolved for improved nutrition. Some cultures have embraced plant-based, low-carbon diets, offering a sustainable approach to climate change and supporting the environment.
[6] The intriguing world of nature encompasses many mysteries and unexplored regions. As researchers embark on expeditions to gain a better understanding of climate change and its effects on the environment, they may uncover more instances of cannibalism across various species, ultimately enriching our knowledge of natural history.
[7] In the world of sports, athletes often participate in competitions to showcase their resilience and adaptability, pushing the boundaries of what humans can achieve. Similarly, understanding cannibalism in nature can help us appreciate the remarkable adaptations animals have made to survive and thrive in their changing environments.
[8] Criminal activities, however, should not be equated with cannibalism in nature or human survival situations. The practice of cannibalism is universally condemned and considered a violation of human rights, with no justification or rationalization in our legal and moral systems.
[9] As we move forward, let's learn from both the examples of cannibalism in nature and human history, focusing on understanding their underlying causes and learning about adaptability, resilience, and survival strategies – qualities that can help us face the challenges of a warming climate and an ever-changing world.
