Modern Humans vs Zoo Animals Comparison

A state of mental and physical tension caused by challenging or demanding situations.

A type of stress that is caused by external factors and is immediate and temporary.

A type of stress that is ongoing and long-lasting, often caused by chronic exposure to stressors.

The natural environment where a particular species has evolved and adapted to live.

The modern, industrialized environment, often characterized by rapid changes, technology, and a sense of artificiality.

The negative impacts of the industrialized environment on the psychological and physical well-being of humans.

The idea that the modern industrialized environment is not conducive to human well-being and can lead to physical and psychological stressors.

The comparison between the stress experienced by modern humans in the industrialized environment and that experienced by our ancestors in their natural habitats.

Environmental stressors are aspects of our surroundings that cause us to experience stress.

A mismatch between our biology and modern lifestyle can be detrimental to our health.

Prolonged stress can have negative effects on our health, including raising blood sugar, increasing fat storage, and raising blood pressure.

Chronic stress can lead to digestive problems such as ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, and gastric reflux.

Chronic stress can impair memory and concentration as well as contribute to anxiety and depression.

Sleep is essential for bodily functions such as cellular regeneration and repair, immune system activity, and memory consolidation.

Lack of adequate sleep can impair memory, learning, and attention as well as increase stress hormones.

Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of obesity, diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and heart disease.

Sleep deprivation can increase the risk of mental illnesses such as anxiety and depression.

Sleep deprivation can also alter gene expression, accelerate aging, and shorten lifespan.

The ideal amount of sleep for humans is closer to ten hours per night, not the often stated eight hours.

The development of agriculture and electricity has drastically changed our lifestyles, leading to a mismatch with our natural biology.

The term 'human zoo' refers to the mismatch between our biology and the modern lifestyle, creating a stressful environment.

A natural signal that helps synchronize circadian rhythms, like light and darkness.

Disruption of the body's natural sleep-wake cycle, often caused by artificial light exposure at night.

A hormone crucial for regulating sleep, produced at night in darkness.

The unwanted light emitted from artificial sources, like streetlights and billboards, polluting the night sky.

The ability of the human body to adjust to constant or recurring sound, but without totally eliminating its negative impact.

Unwanted sound that can interfere with sleep and cause stress.

The phenomenon of modern society being both very active (work, exercise) and very inactive (sedentary lifestyles).

The natural rhythm of the body that regulates sleep-wake cycles, hormone release, and other bodily functions.

The blue wavelengths in electric light that suppress melatonin production and interfere with sleep.

The process of adapting to different time zones by adjusting your sleep-wake cycle.

The adverse effects on health caused by disruption of natural circadian rhythms, particularly sleep.

A pattern of overstimulation and activity, often linked to modern life and its demands.

The use of artificial light at night, even in small doses, that can disrupt sleep and other bodily functions.

The environmental impact of artificial light, including energy consumption and pollution.

The disproportionate impact of light pollution on certain groups, particularly those with lower socioeconomic status, who are more likely to experience light pollution.

The act of doing multiple things simultaneously, often involving switching attention rapidly between tasks.

The ability to focus attention on a single task, resisting distractions.

The negative effect on performance when trying to do multiple things at once, leading to reduced quality and efficiency.

The phenomenon where individuals overestimate their ability to multitask, believing they can handle multiple tasks effectively without performance decline.

The overwhelming amount of information and entertainment available to us today, making it challenging to stay current and avoid information overload.

A type of stress caused by the rapid development and adoption of technology, leading to feelings of being overwhelmed and unable to keep up.

Products designed to become obsolete after a short period, encouraging frequent upgrades and purchases.

A type of internet use characterized by excessive and compulsive behavior, potentially leading to addiction.

A disorder recognized by the DSM-5, involving excessive and compulsive online gaming.

The frequent and compulsive checking of devices for messages or updates, often driven by a fear of missing out or a need for constant connection.

The increased exposure of young children to digital technology, contributing to a change in their developmental experiences.

The tendency for social networking, gaming, and other online activities to be very rewarding, potentially leading to addictive behavior.

Survey findings showing that a significant proportion of parents and teens experience compulsive use of mobile devices, highlighting the widespread nature of this behavior.

The growing presence of mobile devices in the lives of children, adding to their exposure to digital technology.

The rapid evolution of technology, creating challenges for individuals in adapting to and keeping up with these advancements.

A nutritional state where someone is not getting all the nutrients they need, despite eating sufficient amounts of food.

A condition in which people are both overweight and lacking essential nutrients, often due to a diet high in processed foods and low in whole foods.

The typical diet in developed countries, characterized by high calorie intake and limited nutrient content due to high consumption of processed foods.

Foods that have been heavily processed and often contain added sugars, unhealthy fats, and artificial ingredients.

A condition characterized by high blood pressure, high blood sugar, excess body fat, and abnormal cholesterol levels, increasing the risk of heart disease and diabetes.

A hormone that helps your body use sugar for energy, but can become resistant when sugar intake is high.

An unnaturally high sugar intake can lead to the body becoming resistant to insulin, making it harder to regulate blood sugar levels.

The act of consuming more calories than your body needs, often leading to weight gain and health issues.

The tendency to crave and consume more food as your tolerance for it increases, leading to a cycle of overeating.

A state of feeling hungry even after eating, often related to consuming nutritionally deficient foods.

A type of sugar often found in processed foods, known for its potential to contribute to metabolic issues.

The process where food is broken down and converted into energy for your body to use.

A study that found that children who watch more TV tend to consume less fruits and vegetables and more unhealthy foods.

The practice of eating mindfully, leisurely, and communally, using fresh ingredients and traditional methods.

The rise of fast food, convenience foods, and eating on the go, often associated with modern society.

The increasing use of mobile devices among children, particularly those under the age of 8. This trend is considered concerning due to potential adverse effects on cognitive development, social interaction, and overall well-being.

The American Academy of Pediatrics discourages solitary screen time for children under 2 years old. This is due to the potential negative impact on key developmental areas such as language skills, executive function, and social interaction.

Heavy use of electronic devices is linked to lower psychological well-being in studies across many populations. While correlation doesn't equal causation, research suggests overuse can negatively impact mental health.

The excessive use of electronic devices can lead to social isolation, impaired face-to-face communication, and difficulty forming and maintaining meaningful relationships. This can have negative consequences for overall social skills and well-being.

The increased reliance on electronic devices may be affecting our ability to fully experience the world around us, including real-life events, personal interactions, and opportunities for spontaneous connections.

The phrase "sitting is the new smoking" highlights the growing awareness of the health risks associated with sedentary lifestyles, particularly in industrialized nations. Spending too much time sitting can have serious consequences for physical health.

Sedentary behaviors, including prolonged sitting, are on the rise across various age groups in industrialized societies. This trend is linked to a variety of factors, including decreased physical activity, changes in the workforce, and increased use of technology.

Excessive sitting time is associated with increased risk for various health issues, leading to more severe health problems. It is generally associated with a decline in overall health.

The negative health impacts of sitting can outweigh the benefits of regular exercise. Even though exercise is crucial, prolonged periods of sitting can still raise health risks.

A more active lifestyle, with regular movement throughout the day, benefits not only physical health but also mental well-being and cognitive function. It can positively impact mood, reduce stress, and boost cognitive performance.

Maintaining a high level of physical activity is vital for aging gracefully and preventing cognitive decline and dementia. This includes maintaining strength, stamina, and mobility as we age.

By incorporating more movement into our everyday life, we reduce our reliance on resource-intensive assistive technology and medical care in later years. This promotes sustainability and reduces our ecological footprint.

The modern lifestyle often presents a paradox: we are constantly busy and stressed, yet increasingly sedentary. This imbalance can negatively impact our physical and mental well-being.

The combination of high-stress levels and reduced physical activity in modern society poses a serious threat to human health. This combination creates a dangerous imbalance, leading to increased health risks.

Chemicals that can harm health, often found in soil, water, and air.

Substances that can be poisonous and pose health risks, including metals, chemicals, and radioactive waste.

The idea that any substance can cause harm if it reaches a high enough concentration.

The harmful effects of exposure to low levels of toxicants over a long period of time.

The study of the effects of toxic substances on living organisms.

The idea that exposure to a toxic substance during certain critical periods of development can have more severe consequences.

The time delay between exposure to a toxicant and the appearance of its effects.

The idea that different toxic substances can interact with each other to produce more severe effects.

The principle that certain individuals or communities are disproportionately exposed to environmental hazards.

The process of regulating chemicals based on evidence of harm, rather than proactively preventing their use.

The process that prioritizes the safety of chemicals until they are proven harmful.

A law requiring manufacturers to register chemicals with the EPA, but without specific testing requirements for health risks.

The practice of dumping electronic waste in developing countries, often exposing local communities to hazardous materials.

The tendency for toxicants to accumulate in living organisms over time, especially in higher predators.

The ability of toxic substances to cross the placenta and affect the developing fetus.

Industrial agriculture focuses on maximizing yields, often neglecting nutritional quality, resulting in produce with lower micronutrient content than in the 1950s.

Organic crops contain significantly higher levels of antioxidants compared to non-organic crops. This is due to sustainable farming practices that replenish soil nutrients and maintain genetic diversity.

Factory-farmed meat lacks the healthy fatty acids and antioxidants found in pasture-raised or wild meat due to grain-based diets that are not natural for these animals.

The practice of consuming all parts of an animal (nose to tail), including organs, bones, and connective tissues, is beneficial for health and reduces waste, as these parts are rich in essential nutrients.

Convenience foods, often packaged in processed forms, are generally less nutritious than whole foods, and contribute to solid waste generation.

Prioritizing muscle meats (steak, chicken breast) over organ meats (liver, heart) is a dietary pattern common in industrialized countries, leading to a deficiency of essential nutrients.

A plant-based diet is considered a more sustainable option for feeding a growing global population compared to an animal-based diet, which requires significant resources to produce.

The importance of nutrition for mental and behavioral health is increasingly recognized, with studies linking a healthier diet to improved mental well-being in both children and adults.

Even though causality cannot be definitively established, experimental evidence suggests that dietary changes can positively impact mental and behavioral health, as demonstrated in studies involving children with ADHD.

Our modern lifestyle, driven by technology and convenience, often conflicts with our biological needs, creating a mismatch that leads to stress and health issues.

Sleep deprivation, a common problem in industrialized societies, has detrimental effects on physical and mental health, including memory impairment, stress hormone increase, and increased risk of chronic diseases.

Making changes to our sleep schedules, activity levels, and diets can improve overall well-being and reduce the negative impacts of our modern lifestyle.

Transforming infrastructure and systems to support healthy living for everyone, especially marginalized communities, can promote healthier outcomes for individuals and society.

Policymakers should prioritize addressing environmental stressors as public health hazards with social justice implications to ensure sustainable health outcomes for all.

While some modern stressors cannot be completely eliminated, striving to reduce their impact through lifestyle changes and systemic transformations can lead to a more sustainable and healthy future.

These chemicals can linger in the environment for a very long time without breaking down.

These chemicals build up in living things over time.

Persistent Bioaccumulative Toxic Pollutants (PBTs) are chemicals that are both persistent and bioaccumulative, and also pose significant threats to the environment and human health.

The process of biomagnification occurs when chemicals that have accumulated in the body increase in concentration as they move up the food chain.

Chemicals that affect the nervous system.

Chemicals that cause genetic mutations.

Chemicals that cause cancer.

Chemicals that interfere with prenatal development.

Chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system, which is responsible for hormone production and regulation.

These effects involve changes in the way genes are expressed without altering the DNA sequence. They can have a lasting impact even across generations.

A policy that emphasizes the need to take precautionary measures even in the absence of complete scientific certainty about potential risks, especially when the stakes are high for human health or the environment.

The Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) is a European Union regulation that aims to ensure the safe use of chemicals.

The total amount of chemicals found in an organism's body.

Chemicals that can be measured in blood, urine, and breast milk. They are used to assess exposure levels, identify trends over time, and highlight specific populations at risk.

The idea that prevention is more effective than trying to address issues after they have occurred.

A project aimed at reducing toxicant exposures that contribute to neurodevelopmental disorders.

A naturally occurring heavy metal that can cause significant harm to children's developing brains.

A measure of the amount of lead in a person's blood.

A naturally occurring heavy metal that can be harmful to human health, especially for children.

The range of harmful effects associated with lead exposure, including cognitive deficits, behavioral issues, and mental health problems.

The scientific consensus that even small amounts of lead exposure can be harmful to children.

The primary source of mercury exposure for humans, due to the accumulation of mercury in seafood.

A set of guidelines issued by the Food and Drug Administration regarding fish consumption, especially for vulnerable populations.

The widespread and varied effects of mercury toxicity on multiple body systems.

The release of mercury into the environment from various sources, including industrial activities and waste disposal.

The increasing levels of mercury in fish due to overfishing and climate change.

The process by which mercury is transformed into a more toxic form that can accumulate in the food chain.

The recommendation to consume fish low in mercury, such as salmon and tuna, to reduce exposure to toxicants.

Chemicals that mimic the effects of estrogen in the body, affecting both men and women.

Mercury, a heavy metal, can lead to intellectual, attention, and memory deficits, as well as psychotic symptoms and autism spectrum disorders.

Pesticides, designed to protect crops and control pests, can harm humans and other unintended targets, especially during vulnerable periods of development.

Unforeseen negative consequences arising from the introduction of synthetic chemicals into the environment.

Air pollution caused by a combination of industrial emissions, waste incineration, and fossil fuel combustion.

The study of how environmental toxicants impact human health, often examining their effects in isolation.

The interaction of different synthetic chemicals in the environment, potentially creating more complex and harmful effects.

The increasing link between air pollution and negative neurodevelopmental effects in children, both before and after birth.

The combined impact of climate change and air pollution, making human health more vulnerable to a range of threats.

The phenomenon where climate change intensifies the harmful effects of air pollution, creating more severe consequences.

The psychological and emotional distress caused by climate change, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder.

The capacity of the human body to cool itself, which can be overwhelmed by extreme heat and humidity.

The increasing spread of pest-borne diseases such as malaria, Zika, and dengue fever due to warming temperatures.

The health impacts of climate change, including malnutrition, infectious diseases, and mental health issues, making people more vulnerable to air pollution.

The effects of climate change on natural habitats, including desertification, floods, wildfires, and rising sea levels, posing direct threats to human well-being.

The combined effect of climate change and environmental toxins on human health, highlighting the interconnectedness of these problems.

The ability of societies to cope with and adapt to the challenges of climate change, which is often hindered by existing social inequalities.

The mismatch between our evolved biology and the modern industrialized environment, leading to stress and health problems.

The rapid pace of cultural evolution has outpaced our biological evolution, leaving us ill-equipped to handle the stressors of modern life.