Status
Available
Call number
Collection
Publication
Souvenir Press Ltd (1997), Hardcover, 224 pages
Description
Elaine Morgan gives a revolutionary hypothesis that explains our anatomic anomalies in The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis - why we walk on two legs, why we are covered in fat, why we can control our rate of breathing? The answers point to one conclusion: millions of years ago our ancestors were trapped in a semi-aquatic environment. In presenting her case, Elaine Morgan forces scientists to question accepted theories of human evolution.
User reviews
LibraryThing member bkinetic
This book makes the case that humans evolved in watery environments and our physical characteristics reflect this heritage. These characteristics include our relative absence of hair, bipedalism, relatively high body fat percentage, nose shape, location of the larynx, and possibly even our
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present-day affinity for lake shores and seashores, among others. The author, Elaine Morgan, examines the arguments for and against the proposition that these morphological features were due to selective adaptation to aquatic environments. Along the way she provides evidence against the savannah theory, the idea that humans evolved due to adaptation to grassland. She makes a persuasive case for the aquatic ape hypothesis. I admired her attention to detail, readiness to discuss alternative hypotheses, and ability to weigh the evidence dispassionately. I learned many fascinating aspects of comparative human physiology. Show Less
LibraryThing member NickDuberley
An interesting set of ideas, but not ones I am qualified to give an opinion on. Definitely worth a read if you are interested in human evolution.
Language
Original language
English
Physical description
224 p.; 8.5 inches
ISBN
0285633775 / 9780285633773