Food is any substance consumed to provide  support for an . Food is usually of , , or  origin, and contains essential , such as , , , , or . The substance is  by an  and assimilated by the organism's  to provide , maintain life, or stimulate growth. Different species of animals have different  that satisfy the needs of their unique , often evolved to fill a specific  within specific geographical contexts.
humans are highly adaptable and have adapted to obtain food in many different ecosystems. Historically,  secured food through two main methods:  and . As agricultural technologies increased, humans settled into  with diets shaped by the agriculture opportunities in their geography. Geographic and cultural differences has led to creation of numerous  and , including a wide array of , , , , and . As cultures have mixed through forces like  and , ingredients have become more widely available beyond their geographic and cultural origins, creating a cosmopolitan exchange of different food traditions and practices.
Today, the majority of the  required by the ever-  is supplied by the industrial , which produces food with  and distributes it through complex  and  systems. This system of conventional agriculture relies heavily on , which means that the food and agricultural system is one of the , accountable for as much as 37% of total . Addressing the  of the  and  are  in the global response to climate change.[]