Final answer:
Umami is a savory taste attributed to the amino acid L-glutamate. It was identified by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda in 1908. The ability to recognize umami is an evolutionary advantage as it helps identify foods containing essential amino acids.
Step-by-step explanation:
The taste of umami, also known as savoriness, is attributed to the amino acid L-glutamate. Umami is a Japanese word that means "delicious taste" and is often translated to mean savory. It was identified in 1908 by Japanese scientist Kikunae Ikeda while working with seaweed broth. The ability to recognize the umami taste can be considered an evolutionary advantage because it helps identify foods that might contain essential amino acids, which are important for our health.