Final answer:
The prefix 'paleo-' means 'ancient,' and it's related to the paleo diet, which bases its principles on the presumed diet of early humans during the Paleolithic era. Paleoanthropology, which studies early human species, provides insights into ancient diets and supports the idea that our bodies may be better suited for this ancient way of eating.
Step-by-step explanation:
The prefix paleo- refers to anything that is 'ancient,' particularly relating to the geological past or the prehistoric period before the advent of written records. Within the context of diets and nutrition, the term 'paleo' is often associated with the paleo diet, also known as the Paleolithic diet. This diet is based on the types of foods that were presumed to be consumed during the Paleolithic era, with an emphasis on foods that could be obtained through hunting and gathering, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, fish, nuts, and seeds. The consumption of these foods is believed to be closer to what early humans ate, with the idea that the human body is better genetically adapted to such a diet rather than the one that includes modern farming practices.
Paleoanthropology is the study of early human species through fossilized remains and helps provide insight into the diets and lifestyles of Paleolithic-era humans. The discordance hypothesis, supported by some research, suggests that a return to a diet similar to that of early humans could be beneficial due to a genetic mismatch with modern diets. It is important to note, however, that not all paleo diets today replicate the exact ancestral human diet, which was more plant-based as suggested by researchers Melanie Chang and April Nowell.
While engaging in this diet, it's significant to consider that traditional Paleolithic consumption patterns varied by region and available resources. Biological anthropologists and archaeologists continue to investigate and refine our understanding of Paleolithic diets. Considering the Paleocene epoch, the time right after the extinction of non-avian dinosaurs, this period also informs paleo diets as our ancestral mammals began to diversify their diets in a world without dinosaurs.