The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis

by Elaine Morgan

Overview

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, while expressing complex ideas for the general reader in a clear and accessible style. A documentary by Sir David Attenborough, The Waterside Ape, is based on Morgan's Aquatic Ape Hypothesis.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780285643611
Publisher:	Souvenir Press
Publication date:	06/01/2017
Edition description:	Second Edition, Second edition
Pages:	208
Sales rank:	500,591
Product dimensions:	5.25(w) x 8.50(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Elaine Morgan (1920-2013) was the author of the 1972 book The Descent of Woman, which suggested that human evolution had an aquatic origin. This idea was attacked at first by scientists, but the book became an international bestseller. In the decades since, Morgan’s aquatic ape hypothesis has gained widespread support. She was also a BAFTA-winning television writer.

Editorial Reviews

"She is more scientific than Genesis, more up to date than Darwin, more fun than Ardrey, and she writes better than Desmond Morris." —Sunday Telegraph


"Sir David Attenborough takes to the radio to mull over a once ridiculed idea about human evolution . . . Attenborough shows how the theory has gained traction." —Times, on The Waterside Ape


"Attenborough asks whether this theory is any closer to achieving mainstream acceptance." —BBC Focus, on The Waterside Ape

From the Publisher