Over the years man has exploited many of the diverse food sources that have evolved on the planet.  Food, drink and spices have been traded around the word. Stocks of both species of plants and animals have been introduced into countries other than their natural habitat.  Sometimes this has had dramatic detrimental effects on other species and at other times this has alleviated famine and provided important support for the food chain.

Mankind has also sought to diversify its diet purely for pleasure to introduce variety and novelty into the diet.  More recently attempt to improve on evolution and nature through genetic engineering have been greeted by controversial mixed feelings by the general public and scientific communities.