**Difference between Early and Modern Humans on the Basis of Raw Food and Cooked Food**

The consumption of raw food versus cooked food is one of the key differences between early and modern humans. The development of cooking food was a significant milestone in human history, and it played a crucial role in the evolution of our species. Let's explore the differences in detail:

**1. Early Humans and Raw Food:**
Early humans, also known as prehistoric humans, lived during the Paleolithic era (Old Stone Age) and Neolithic era (New Stone Age). During this time, they primarily relied on raw food for sustenance. Some key points about early humans and raw food are:

- *Hunter-Gatherers:* Early humans were primarily hunter-gatherers, meaning they hunted animals and gathered fruits, nuts, and vegetables from their surroundings.
- *Raw Meat:* They consumed raw meat, which they obtained through hunting animals. This included large game like mammoths, deer, and bison, as well as smaller animals like rabbits and fish.
- *Raw Plant Foods:* Early humans also consumed raw plant foods, including fruits, berries, nuts, and tubers, which they gathered from their environment.
- *Limited Food Processing:* Early humans had limited tools and techniques for processing food. They might have used stones to smash nuts or crush plants, but overall, the food was consumed in its raw form.

**2. Modern Humans and Cooked Food:**
Modern humans belong to our current era and have evolved significantly from their early ancestors. The discovery and utilization of fire for cooking food played a crucial role in their development. Here are some points about modern humans and cooked food:

- *Discovery of Fire:* Modern humans discovered fire and learned to control it. This led to the development of cooking techniques.
- *Cooking Food:* Modern humans learned to cook food by placing it over or near the fire. Cooking involved various methods such as roasting, boiling, and baking.
- *Benefits of Cooking:* Cooking food provided several advantages for modern humans, including:
- **Enhanced Nutritional Value:** Cooking makes food easier to digest and increases the availability of nutrients, improving overall nutrition.
- **Killing Pathogens:** Cooking helps kill harmful bacteria, parasites, and other pathogens present in raw food, reducing the risk of food-borne illnesses.
- **Taste and Variety:** Cooking enhances the flavor of food and allows for the creation of a wide range of dishes, increasing the enjoyment and variety of meals.
- **Social and Cultural Significance:** Cooking food also played a crucial role in the development of social interactions and cultural traditions.

In conclusion, the main difference between early and modern humans regarding food lies in the consumption of raw versus cooked food. Early humans relied on raw food as hunter-gatherers, while modern humans discovered fire and learned to cook food, which provided numerous advantages in terms of nutrition, safety, taste, and cultural significance.