Part 5/8:
As the tale unfolds, the energy demands of a large brain play a pivotal role. Brain tissue requires significantly more energy than muscle, posing challenges for various species. The African elephant, for example, expends immense time feeding to sustain its massive body and intellect.
For early humans, a transformative key was introduced—fire and cooking. This innovation vastly improved energy density when consuming food, ultimately fueling the growth of our brains. However, this progression brings forth risks, illustrating the delicate balance between evolutionary success and survival challenges.