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Ethnobotanical studies on cultivated plants. A theoretical approach
netic resource and gene bank concepts (VAVILOV 1927 n.c., HAWKES 1994) emerged
during the last 200 years. Understanding the material base of human (and plant)
variability on molecular level began practically in the last 50 years (WATSON et al.
1953 n.c.). First genome sequences were published in 2000 for Homo and Arabidopsis
(n.c.). Time is ripening now for new paradigm shifts in understanding interrelations
between crop evolution, group knowledge on crops (crop ethnobotany) and
human (ethnocultural) evolution, including a phenomenon named here “human nanoevolution”,
i.e., supposed differential reproduction of couples carrying specific membrane
receptor mutations connected with plant food recognition abilities, communication,
co-operation and other socio-cultural skills.
Main questions
Our main question is: “May ethnobotany be useful in understanding human (biological,
linguistic, ethno-cultural, religious) micro- and nano-evolution?” And, if the answer
is “Yes”, the next question is: “Which are our possibilities and limitations in promoting
a better, worldwide and mutual understanding in these topics?”
There is a further intriguing question: “Is it possible to integrate ethnobotanical concepts
in those of J. MAYNARD SMITH and E. SZATHMÁRY (1997) regarding major transitions
in evolution, as well as in that of V. CSÁNYI (1999, CSÁNYI and KAMPIS 1991,
etc.) regarding integrative human ethology?”
The theoretical base of these questions is the assumption that niche segregation
during human evolution was based mainly on food preferences and feeding behaviour,
associated perhaps with many and still undiscovered specificities in the molecular
evolution of the enzymes, membrane receptors, etc., especially in our sensory
organs, brain and the digestive tract.
It is a conditio sine qua non in these studies to keep in mind that biological diversity
among living entities, including humans, is a fact of evolution to be studied, while
human equality is a moral need and a value to be respected (DOBZHANSKY 1973).
Theoretical issues
The available ethnobotanical literature has been reviewed in search of theoretical
backgrounds and definitions. Special attention was paid to Hungarian agrobiodiversity
and ethnobotany studies (GYULAI 2000, I. SZABÓ et al. 2000, with further references).
Different concepts related to possible group selection factors acting during
plant domestication and cultivation (ethnicity, ethnic knowledge on plants, ethnobiodiversity,
etc.) were also considered.
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