Abstract
In ethology, the science of animal behaviour, the so-called “central theorem” states that organisms are expected to behave in a way that benefits their own “inclusive fitness.” Critics of this theorem claim that there is a dichotomy or even a contradiction in each organism, involving the tendency of genes for successful multiplication and the tendency of the body for healthy longevity, and that organisms prefer to satisfy the needs of genes for multiplication even to the point of damaging their health and longevity. This paper presents a reflection within the framework of the central theorem and its critics by focusing on three nutritional patterns in animals: the tendency for satiety, the tendency for fast/easy food, and the tendency for food stimulants. All of these patterns have greater beneficial effects for reproduction than for health and longevity. These and other instinctive nutritional patterns of behaviour may be important for a better understanding of human nutritional ethology.
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