Why do humans differ from other primates? What do those differences tell us about human evolution? Elaine Morgan gives a revolutionary hypothesis that explains our anatomic anomalies--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.
The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis (Independent Voices)
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70 of 72 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
An excellent exposition of the Aquatic Ape Theory,
By
This review is from: Aquatic Ape Hypothesis (Condor Indep Voices) (Paperback)
This is the second book by Elaine Morgan that I have had the pleasure of reading. The other one was "Scars of Evolution," and both books have been an enlightening experience. Elaine Morgan is that rarity, a scientist who can write so that the layman can understand. This book deals with the theory--she calls it merely an hypothesis--that early pre-hominids (our ancestors) went through an aquatic period, when they lived in shallow water, which accounts for our relatively hairless bodies, bipedal stance, subcutaneous layer of fat, eccrine sweat gland system, controllable breathing, downward pointing nostrils and other characteristics that make homo sapiens unique. She discusses other theories put forward by paleoanthropologists and other scientists respectfully, while discussing their flaws, many of which they themselves acknowledge. I first heard of the Aquatic Ape Theory (AAT) decades ago, when I first read Desmond Morris's book, "The Naked Ape," in which he mentioned the theory briefly. He apparently believed that our pre-human ancestors dropped out of the receding African arboreal environment, hit the savannah running, and shed their fur as they ran in order to cool off. Of course that does not account for the subcutaneous layer of fat which is more characteristic of aquatic animals like the whale, and which functions to provide both warmth and flotation. The AAT made more sense to me, and I have been on the lookout for this book ever since. Elaine Morgan does not disappoint. Her careful reasoning is welcome and persuasive. I am delighted with both of her books and shall read her latest with interest. Another valuable insight she shares in this book, which was of great benefit to me, was the diving reflex common to all diving mammals. She said that cold water splashed on the face reflexively causes the heart to slow down, and produces vasoconstriction. When a loved one recently experienced tachycardia, I had the opportunity to use that knowledge. A wet, cold washcloth dropped on her face instantly (within 5 seconds) reduced her 260 per minute heartbeat to a slow, steady, regular beat and saved us an ambulance trip to the hospital. Thanks, Elaine. Joseph Pierre
34 of 36 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
an educating, exciting and enlightening read,
By Johnny Weyand (Cambridge, Mass (USA)) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Aquatic Ape Hypothesis (Condor Indep Voices) (Paperback)
When I heard Elaine speak at Harvard University in the Spring of 1999, she held the audience in the palm of her hand. Her latest book showcases her ability to present exciting scientific material with facts as well as humor, allowing the reader to experience their own insights and come to their own conclusions about the scientific controversy of human origins. Once categorically dismissed by the scientific establishment, today many scientists and the world's leading paleoanthropologist have indicated support for her work. Many of Elaine's theories on the evolution of homo sapiens and other species (such as the elephant) have been found to contain unforeseen truths. There's a reason why her first work was an international best-seller (The Descent of Woman). Wow, can this author write.
33 of 35 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
A good theory,
This review is from: Aquatic Ape Hypothesis (Condor Indep Voices) (Paperback)
A well written science book (a rarity) with an extremely interesting thesis; that the subspecies of ape that humans evolved from were actually in the process of adapting to the sea and that interrupted adaptation is why we are so different from other apes. She presents her theory in easily understood terms and thus allows even the layperson to easily understand her theory. The only problem with the book and the theory is the lack of concrete, physical evidence to back it up. The author's conjecture and reasoning seems sound but then again she is the one presenting it. But that is a very minor complaint, if you're looking for an extremely interesting and well written book on the origin of humanity then I would highly recommend the Aquatic Ape.
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