[blackdog]

They are ruminents. When I develop three stomaches I’ll reconsider becoming a vegetarian. We’ll be on the same playing field then.

[Salamander]

“When I develop three stomachs”

Please tell us you’ll post pix!

:))

[B Knotts]

Not to nitpick, but hippos are not actually ruminants. Their digestive system is similar, but not quite as efficient as ruminants. They might be considered pseudo-ruminants.

An interesting fact is that hippos are relatively closely related to cetaceans (whales, porpoises, etc.).

Nevertheless, I agree with your basic point, which is that humans are designed to be omnivores.

[seowulf]

Just a few nights back I was watching some nature show and at one point they started talking about how Bonobo apes weren't considered the most beautiful of primates, and not just because of their big, bulbous nose.

It seems they have large bulging stomachs too because they eat leaves. A high fiber, leafy diet requires a lot of gut and a lot of bacteria to extract the nutrients, thus the bulging stomach. Also, all of that bacterial action produces a lot of heat and it seems the large, pendulous nose helps dissipate the heat.

So, vegetarian diet = large bulbous nose; large bulging stomach; a lot of perspiration; and a lot of farting.

Not unlike a few liberal vegetarians I've known.