Waterside Ape: An Alternative Account of Human Evolution

The book explores a controversial idea that human evolution was closely associated with watery habitats, rather than typical savannahs, and presents evidence supporting this alternative explanation. It discusses anatomical and physiological adaptations that are associated with hypotheses of human evolution, such as hairlessness, different colored skin, subcutaneous fat, large brains, a marine-type kidney, a unique heat regulation system, and speech.

\n Format: Paperback / softback
\n Length: 226 pages
\n Publication date: 31 July 2019
\n Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd
\n

Discusses the role of the brain in human evolution Examines the development of the human heart and circulatory system Analyzes the structure and function of the human kidney Discusses the evolution of human skin color and pigmentation
Why are humans so fond of water?

Humans have a natural affinity for water, which is essential for our survival. Here are some reasons why humans are so fond of water:

Hydration: Water is the primary source of hydration for our bodies. It helps to regulate our body temperature, maintain bodily functions, and carry nutrients to our cells.

Sustenance: Water is a vital component of our diet. It is necessary for the digestion of food, the absorption of nutrients, and the elimination of waste products.

Recreation: Water provides a wide range of recreational activities, such as swimming, boating, and surfing. It is also a popular destination for vacations and tourism.

Spiritual and cultural significance: Water has been held in high regard by many cultures throughout history. It is often associated with purity, spirituality, and rebirth.

Survival: In extreme environments, water can be a lifeline for survival. It is essential for maintaining bodily functions and preventing dehydration, which can be fatal.

Overall, humans are drawn to water because it is essential for our survival, provides a source of recreation and enjoyment, and has cultural and spiritual significance.

Why is our skin colour so variable?

Skin colour is a complex trait that is influenced by a wide range of genetic and environmental factors. Here are some reasons why our skin colour is so variable:

Melanin: Melanin is a pigment that produces colour in our skin. It is responsible for the darkening of skin in response to exposure to sunlight. The amount of melanin in our skin varies from person to person, resulting in a range of skin colours.

Genetics: Our skin colour is influenced by a combination of genetic factors. These factors can include the genes we inherit from our parents and the genes that are passed down from generation to generation.

Environmental factors: Environmental factors such as exposure to sunlight, diet, and lifestyle can also influence our skin colour. For example, individuals who live in regions with high levels of sunlight may have darker skin due to the increased production of melanin.

Hormones: Hormones such as melanin-producing hormones (melanocytes) and sex hormones (androgens and estrogens) can also play a role in skin colour development.

Overall, the combination of genetic, environmental, and hormonal factors contributes to the diversity of skin colours observed in humans.

Why arent we hairy like our close ape relatives?

Humans are not hairy like our close ape relatives, such as gorillas and orangutans, for several reasons. Here are some of the main reasons:

Evolution: The loss of hair in humans is a result of evolution. Hair is a relatively expensive tissue to maintain, and it provides little insulation in warm climates. As humans evolved in warmer regions, they lost their hair, which allowed them to better regulate their body temperature and conserve energy.

Adaptation: Hairless humans have developed a range of adaptations that allow them to thrive in different environments. For example, they have developed sweat glands that allow them to cool down efficiently, and they have a thicker layer of subcutaneous fat that provides insulation in cold climates.

Social and cultural factors: Hairless humans have also been influenced by social and cultural factors. In some cultures, hairlessness is associated with beauty, cleanliness, and modernity. In others, it is associated with certain religious or cultural practices.

Hygiene: Hairless humans have fewer places for bacteria and other pathogens to hide, which can help to reduce the risk of infection.

Overall, the loss of hair in humans is a result of evolution, adaptation, social and cultural factors, and hygiene. While hairless humans may not have the same physical characteristics as their hairy ape relatives, they have developed a range of adaptations that allow them to thrive in different environments.

A savannah scenario of human evolution has been widely accepted primarily due to fossil evidence; and fossils do not offer insight into these questions. Other alternative evolutionary scenarios might,but these models have been rejected. This book explores a controversial idea – that human evolution was intimately associated with watery habitats as much or more than typical savannahs. Written from a medical point of view,the author presents evidence supporting a credible alternative explanation for how humans diverged from our primate ancestors. Anatomical and physiological evidence offer insight into hairlessness,different coloured skin,subcutaneous fat,large brains,a marine-type kidney,a unique heat regulation system and speech. This evidence suggests that humans may well have evolved,not just as savannah mammals,as is generally believed,but with more affinity for aquatic habitats – rivers,streams,lakes and coasts.

Key Features:

Presents the evidence for a close association between riparian habitats and the origin of humans

Reviews the savannah ape hypothesis for human origins

Describes various anatomical adaptations that are associated with hypotheses of human evolution

Explores characteristics from the head and neck such as skull and sinus structures, the larynx and ear structures and functions

Discusses the role of the brain in human evolution

Examines the development of the human heart and circulatory system

Analyzes the structure and function of the human kidney

Discusses the evolution of human skin color and pigmentation

\n Weight: 368g\n
Dimension: 141 x 215 x 18 (mm)\n
ISBN-13: 9780367145484\n \n