Hi all,
I came across a strange yet quite interesting hypothesis about the evolution of the human being. It is called the "aquatic ape" hypothesis and it seems it gains some momentum recently. It is a two-part audio series on BBC, the link is here:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/topi...ape_hypothesis
In short, it boils down that humans seem to have had at least a stage living close to the shore, collecting food in the water. As indicator they give that humans walk on two legs (which is much easier and convenient in shallow water), have subcutaneous fat (a natural insulation), are able of holding our breath for quite some time (enabling us to dive), have so few hair and that strange and have that big nose with the nostrils pointing down which is comparitively bad ad smelling, but good at channeling water away from the nostrils when swimming.
At least it would explain why humans are so drawn to water, and why, at least compared to other apes, humans do quite well in and especially under water.
Yes, it is a very, very controversial hypothesis, and I thought a moment about writing this post at all, but maybe, just maybe, there is some truth to it. I am no anthropologist, but the arguments seem quite convincing. Plus, I don't think BBC would present such a controversial idea if they weren't at least a little convinced it contains at least some grain of truth.
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