Extensive taste loss found in mammals: Feeding preferences shaped by taste receptors
Monday, March 12, 2012 - 15:30
in Biology & Nature
Scientists report frequent loss of sweet taste in mammalian species that are exclusive meat eaters. Further, two sea-dwelling mammals that swallow their food whole have extensive taste loss. Many sweet-blind species eat only meat, demonstrating that a liking for sweets is frequently lost during the evolution of diet specialization.