Paleoanthropology, the study of ancient humans, continually revises our understanding of what makes Homo sapiens unique. Initially, the faculty of ‘language’ was thought to be exclusive to modern humans. This view expanded to include Neanderthals as new evidence came to light. Now, even Homo erectus, our ancient ancestor, is considered to have had this capacity. […]
evolution
Biology, Not Philosophy
It’s a sunny spring day and the birds are busy. Some are flying about, perhaps foraging. I notice one staring at me from beneath a bush. What does it want? Suddenly, the bird returns with a little stick in its beak, flies away, and disappears into a tree. Ah—it’s probably building a nest. I have […]
On Anthropology (I)
Sapiens is a digital magazine whose mission is to bring anthropology to the public. It has a pop-up window that asks you whether you are ‘a human’ and would like to subscribe, otherwise you are ‘not a human’. I found it funny and witty, but also odd.