Cannibalism

Introduction

Bill Schutt's "Cannibalism" takes readers on a fascinating journey through the often misunderstood and taboo subject of consuming one's own species. This book challenges our preconceptions about cannibalism, revealing that it's not only more common in nature than we might think but also has played a significant role in human history and culture.

Schutt explores cannibalism from various angles, including its evolutionary benefits, its prevalence in the animal kingdom, and its place in human societies both past and present. By examining this topic with a scientific and historical lens, the author invites us to reconsider our assumptions and gain a more nuanced understanding of this complex and controversial subject.

Cannibalism in Nature: More Common Than You Think

One of the key ideas presented in the book is that cannibalism is far more widespread in nature than most people realize. Contrary to the long-held belief that cannibalism only occurs under extreme circumstances like starvation or captivity, research has shown that it's a normal response to various environmental factors.

Laurel Fox, an ecologist from the University of California at Santa Cruz, made groundbreaking discoveries in the 1970s that transformed our understanding of cannibalism in nature. Her research revealed that this behavior occurs in every major animal group, even among species traditionally considered herbivores, such as butterflies.

Cannibalism in nature is often influenced by factors such as:

1. Population density
2. Environmental conditions
3. Availability of food sources

In areas with limited resources or overcrowding, cannibalism becomes more prevalent as a survival strategy. Conversely, in environments with abundant and predictable food supplies, cannibalism is much rarer.

The Evolutionary Role of Cannibalism

Schutt delves into the evolutionary aspects of cannibalism, explaining how this behavior can actually provide advantages to certain species. The book highlights the work of ecologist Gary Polis, who made important observations about cannibalism in the 1980s.

One of the key findings is that immature animals are more likely to be eaten than adults, making infanticide the most common form of cannibalism in nature. While this might seem counterintuitive from a species survival perspective, it makes sense when considering the following factors:

1. Young animals are an easy source of nutrition
2. They are relatively defenseless
3. They provide a high-quality food source

Fish serve as a prime example of how cannibalism can be advantageous. Many fish species routinely consume their own eggs, larvae, and young, known as fry. These are abundant, small, and highly nutritious, making them an ideal food source.

The book also explores how cannibalism can speed up developmental processes in certain species. For instance:

1. Flour beetles that engage in cannibalism produce more eggs than non-cannibals
2. Sand tiger sharks practice in-utero cannibalism, with larger embryos consuming smaller ones and unfertilized eggs

These examples demonstrate how cannibalism can provide both nutritional benefits and valuable survival experiences for some species.

Environmental Factors and Cannibalism

Schutt emphasizes the role of environmental stressors in promoting cannibalistic behavior. He provides several examples of how challenging conditions can lead to increased instances of cannibalism:

1. Chickens in overcrowded poultry farms may attack and eat their neighbors due to stress and inadequate living conditions
2. Hamsters in captivity may cannibalize their young when subjected to stressors like small cages, excessive noise, or proximity to natural predators

The book also touches on the potential increase in cannibalism among chimpanzees as human encroachment reduces their habitat and resources. This serves as a stark reminder of how environmental pressures can influence behavior even in our closest evolutionary relatives.

However, Schutt is careful to point out that cannibalism is not without its drawbacks. One significant risk is the increased transmission of diseases, as parasites and pathogens are often species-specific. The author cites the tragic example of the Fore people of New Guinea, who nearly went extinct due to their practice of ritual cannibalism, which spread the deadly kuru disease.

Human Cannibalism: Past and Present

While most modern societies consider cannibalism taboo, Schutt reveals that it still exists in various forms today. He presents several eye-opening examples:

1. The case of Armin Meiwes, who killed and ate a willing victim in Germany in 2001
2. Issei Sagawa, who murdered and consumed a Dutch student in 1981
3. The increasingly popular practice of placenta consumption among some new mothers

The author even goes so far as to taste placenta himself, describing its flavor as similar to organ meat but with a unique quality unlike anything he'd experienced before.

Schutt also explores the historical and cultural aspects of human cannibalism, tracing the Western taboo against the practice to Judeo-Christian beliefs about bodily resurrection. He discusses how cannibalism has been used as a tool for cultural othering, with Western colonizers often labeling indigenous peoples as "savages" or "primitives" to justify their actions.

The book delves into how the cannibalism taboo has been perpetuated through storytelling, particularly in fairy tales. Stories like "Little Red Riding Hood," "Snow White," and "Hansel and Gretel" all feature cannibalistic elements, serving to reinforce societal norms and instill fear in children.

The Future of Cannibalism

In the final sections of the book, Schutt speculates on the potential resurgence of cannibalism in human societies. He points to increasing environmental stressors such as:

1. Desertification in areas like Texas, California, China, and Africa
2. Severe droughts affecting poor countries
3. Famine and reduced access to freshwater
4. Political conflicts arising from resource scarcity

The author draws parallels to historical instances of famine-induced cannibalism, citing sociologist Pitirim Sorokin's research on 11 occurrences in Europe between 793 and 1317. Schutt suggests that as environmental pressures mount, particularly in the world's poorest and most vulnerable regions, cannibalism could once again become a survival strategy for humans.

Conclusion

"Cannibalism" by Bill Schutt challenges our preconceptions about what many consider to be one of humanity's greatest taboos. By examining the practice through scientific, historical, and cultural lenses, the author presents a nuanced view of cannibalism as a natural occurrence in the animal kingdom and a complex aspect of human behavior.

Key takeaways from the book include:

1. Cannibalism is more common in nature than previously thought, occurring in every major animal group
2. Environmental factors such as overcrowding and food scarcity often drive cannibalistic behavior
3. Cannibalism can provide evolutionary advantages for certain species
4. Human cannibalism has a complex history, influenced by cultural, religious, and environmental factors
5. The Western taboo against cannibalism has been reinforced through storytelling and cultural othering
6. Cannibalism still exists in various forms today, from criminal acts to cultural practices
7. Environmental pressures may lead to a resurgence of cannibalism in the future, particularly in vulnerable regions

Schutt's work encourages readers to look beyond their initial reactions of disgust or horror and consider cannibalism as a multifaceted phenomenon with deep roots in both nature and human society. By doing so, we gain a better understanding of our place in the natural world and the complex factors that shape behavior across species.

The book serves as a reminder that even our most deeply held taboos can be challenged by scientific inquiry and historical analysis. It prompts us to question our assumptions and consider how environmental pressures might influence human behavior in the future.

Ultimately, "Cannibalism" is a thought-provoking exploration of a controversial topic that sheds light on the interconnectedness of all living things and the sometimes surprising ways in which nature adapts to ensure survival. While the subject matter may be unsettling for some readers, the book offers valuable insights into the complexities of life on Earth and the forces that shape behavior across the animal kingdom, including our own species.