Lecture: #14 ([Fiber + Micronutrients] Reproduction: eggs are big, sperm are small, and that matters)

Question 1

Starch

Answer 1

Humans DO have the enzyme that can break this bond. So we CAN access the glucose molecules.

A type of carbohydrate

• “alpha link” 1-4 links between glucose molecules
• (soluble fiber)
• (bond creates a linear molecule that we cleve off and get energy from)

Question 2

Fiber

Answer 2

a type of carbohydrate that the body can’t digest→no energy or raw material from it

Fiber are polysaccharide of carbohydrates (simple sugars connected w/ a 

A type of carbohydrate

ex) Cellulose:
* “Beta link” 1-4 links between glucose molecules
* (insoluble fiber)
* (bond angle creates spiral molecules)
* Humans don’t have the enzyme that can break this bond (we can’t get access to the glucose molecules)

Question 3

Fiber health benefits

Answer 3

• Reduced death risk
• Reduced chronic disease risk
• Obesity
• Colon cancer prevention
• lower blood pressure
• improved immune function

Question 4

Vitamins

Answer 4

small organic molecules
* Fat-soluble: stored in fatty tissue; 4 in total.
* Water soluble: leave in urines must be used right away; 9 in total.

Question 5

Minerals

Answer 5

individual elements (inorganic)

Question 6

Initial energetic investment in reproduction is typically larger for females because ….

Answer 6

• Larger gametes (x400) = larger investment
• Internal gestation
• Lactation (produce milk)

Question 7

Sex behavior predictions

Answer 7

1. Sex that invests more will be more discriminating due to natural selection (more value)

Given that they are getting the same payoff (increased fitness) the side that is investing less is getting a good deal and gets less say

If she picks a mate with poor genes, her children will inherit those undesirable traits

**Typically female but not always

Pick a higher-status significant other based on/by
* Demand honest signals of health
* Value fighting ability
* Elicit a commitment to invest (make sure they’re committed and will invest in their child) (The sex investing more will demand some sort of investment up front)

2. Sex that invests less will compete amongst themselves for access to the high-investment sex. (And will seek greater paternity certainty)

We expect to see
*More competition 
*Need for paternity certainty

*Competition for access
*Mate guarding/excessive mating
*Sperm competition/anti-sperm