Final answer:
Odor preferences teach us about our evolutionary history by showcasing the importance of scent in survival, mate selection, and social behaviors.
Step-by-step explanation:
The sense of smell, or olfaction, provides important information about our environment. Odor preferences can teach us about our evolutionary history by highlighting the role of scent in survival and mate selection. For example, certain smells may be associated with spoiled or toxic food, prompting aversion as an adaptive response to prevent consumption of harmful substances. Additionally, pheromones, which are chemical signals released by animals, can influence behavior and play a role in things like mate attraction and mother-infant attachment.