OC Survival is dependent upon eating meaty substances, period. As far as that goes, it seems correct and defines the obligatory carnivore (OC).. However, what it does not say, what is omitted, is the knowledge that food stuffs other than the meaty ones can be simultaneously consumed to the benefit of the animal and human. Combinations of plant foods with meaty substances are doubtless more nutritious than either alone. This mixing is synergy. The question arises, when was synergistic food eating first attempted by early man, the upright carnivore? The answer is to be found in the paleontological research of the gut contents, the fecal pellets, and food debris of earliest known, modern man, Mr. Zhoukoudian, an apparent Tianyuan cave dweller who lived near Beijing City, China, 38,500 to 42,000 years ago. You need answer this question: how is old man Zhouk's alimentary canal similar to yours? Would you consider it reasonable that Zhoukies alimentary canal is quite different from yours? Has there been evolutionary change during the past 42,000 years, especially to your gut? Please keep in mind, the noble claim that old man Zhouk was an obligatory carnivore. You are not ... and neither is the modern day ferret, period! So let's all sit down and have a bowl of warm beef vegetable soup. Oh, don't forget to invite your ferret for his portion. Ouch! Ouch! It's the pioneers who get the arrows. Edward Lipinski Ferrets North West Foundation. [Moderator's note: For the sake of people searching archives, please let me note here that Mr. Lipinski's views do not reflect the views of any scholarly community I am aware of. There is no research to support his assertions but much which disproves them. BIG] [Posted in FML 6292]