Early humans learned which plants were safe to eat through a process of trial and error, observation, and knowledge passed down through generations. This knowledge was acquired over thousands of years of human history and is often referred to as ethnobotanical knowledge.
Trial and error: Early humans would have experimented with various plants, observing the effects of eating them. If a particular plant caused sickness, discomfort, or death, they would have learned to avoid it. On the other hand, if a plant was found to be edible and nutritious, that knowledge would have been passed on to the next generation.
Observation of animals: Early humans likely observed the behavior of animals. If they saw animals eating certain plants without any ill effects, they might have been more inclined to try those plants themselves.
Cultural transmission: Knowledge of plants and their edibility was passed down through oral traditions and cultural practices. Older members of the community would have shared their experiences and wisdom with younger members, creating a repository of information about plants and their uses.
Mimicking other primates: Early humans were not the only creatures foraging for food in their environment. Other primates, who are closely related to humans, have sophisticated knowledge of plants and their uses. It is plausible that early humans observed and mimicked the behavior of these primates to identify safe plants to eat.
Environmental cues: Over time, early humans would have developed an understanding of their local environment, including which plants grew in which seasons and regions. This knowledge would have guided their foraging practices and helped them identify familiar and safe plants.
Plant processing techniques: Certain plants might be toxic in their raw form but could become edible and safe after specific processing techniques such as boiling, fermentation, or soaking. Early humans might have discovered these methods through experimentation.
Cultural taboos: Societies often developed taboos and customs surrounding certain plants based on their experiences. These cultural norms would have played a role in determining which plants were safe to eat and which were to be avoided.
It is important to note that this knowledge was not foolproof, and accidents or mistakes could still happen, leading to poisoning or other adverse effects. However, the cumulative knowledge gained through generations of human experience eventually formed the basis for the ethnobotanical knowledge that we have today. Modern research in botany and ethnobotany continues to uncover new information about plants and their uses, building on the legacy of early human discoveries.