🥑The myth of giant ground sloths spreading avocados is not supported by evidence.
🌿Ancient ground sloths had a varied diet, primarily consisting of grasses and shrubs.
🌱Avocado pits were originally much smaller and likely increased in size due to human cultivation.
🌍Avocados were domesticated multiple times across Central America by Mesoamericans.
🌽The size of avocado pits may be related to the farming practices and genetic diversity of the time.
Is it true that giant ground sloths spread avocados?
—No, there is no evidence to support this claim. It originated from a hypothesis in the 1980s but lacks any supporting data.
What did ancient ground sloths eat?
—Based on analysis of fossil remains and coprolites, ancient ground sloths primarily ate grasses and shrubs.
How did avocado pits increase in size?
—The increase in avocado pit size is likely due to human cultivation and selection of plants with larger pits.
Who domesticated avocados?
—Mesoamericans, particularly those in Central America, played a significant role in the domestication of avocados.
Why do avocado pits have different sizes?
—The variation in avocado pit size may be attributed to the farming practices and genetic diversity of the time.
00:00The popular belief that giant ground sloths spread avocados is a myth without evidence.
03:58Ancient ground sloths had diverse diets, including grasses, shrubs, and possibly meat.
05:31Avocado pits from 10,000 years ago were much smaller and likely grew in size due to human cultivation.
06:16Mesoamericans, specifically those in Central America, played a significant role in domesticating avocados.
07:45The size variation in avocado pits may be influenced by farming practices and genetic diversity.
