The Real Culture Wars When we think of culture, we tend to think about material products of human civilization and/or variation of traditions, rituals, and beliefs between different human populations. And of course, these are products of human culture. But does culture distinguish humans from all other animals? Are any other animals cultural? If so, … Continue reading The Real Culture Wars
Author: Cadell Last
Hello. I'm probably drinking coffee and reading.
Check out my latest post for the Jane Goodall Institute of Canada.
21st Century Neanderthals
21st Century Neanderthals A few months ago I pondered what it would have been like if other species within the genus Homo had survived into contemporary times. I hypothesized that based on our poor track record of violent conflict modern humans would have treated them very poorly. We may have a chance to see if I am right, … Continue reading 21st Century Neanderthals
Thoughts on the Future pt. 2
Thoughts on the Future pt. 2 I frequently encounter thoughts from people about the future that follow a classical dystopian futuristic narrative. Although creating these narratives may serve an important function, they do not adequately explain our likely future trajectory. Throughout the 21st century, we need to start to rethink how our species evolves, and … Continue reading Thoughts on the Future pt. 2
Since becoming involved in Roots and Shoots, I’ve become more knowledgeable of and engaged by the many parallels between chimps and humans. Did you know that it was Jane Goodall who discovered that chimps are omnivores like us?! Before she observed chimps eating a bush pig, people thought that chimps were vegetarians. Like humans, chimps are highly social animals who have strong bonds to their community groups as well as family members. Young chimps have a particularly strong relationship with their mother and even sleep in their mother’s nest for the first five years of their lives! They also have both opposable thumbs (like us) and opposable big toes – a difference that makes them well suited to clinging to branches as they swing through the trees!
Even though there are many aspects of our behaviours that make us similar to one another, Roots and Shoots has also led…
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The Importance of Evolutionary Anthropology
The Importance of Evolutionary Anthropology As an evolutionary anthropologist, I am constantly confronted with the public perception that anthropology has no practical utility. Throughout America and Canada, there is a disturbingly negative perception of anthropological inquiry. This is why Governor Rick Scott was confident to proclaim that anthropology was not a vital interest to the … Continue reading The Importance of Evolutionary Anthropology
The Adaptation Program
The Adaptation Program Yesterday, I read a famous scientific article on adaptation by evolutionary biologists Stephen J. Gould and Richard Lewontin, titled “The Spandrels of San Marco and the Panglossian Paradigm: A Critique of the Adaptationist Programme” (Gould & Lewontin, 1979). Gould & Lewontin criticize what they call the “adaptationist programme” school of thought within … Continue reading The Adaptation Program
Good Job: What Does Hubski Badge?
Good Job: What Does Hubski Badge?By Cadell Last (Hubski user: theadvancedapes)Introduction Hubski is a social network and link-aggregating service that has built a strong and growing community. They have accomplished this by promoting thoughtfulness and providing an enriching environment for discussion. Over the past two weeks, several Hubski users (e.g., JakobVirgil, rozap, theadvancedapes) have conducted studies … Continue reading Good Job: What Does Hubski Badge?
Welcome to “Forms of Life”
Welcome to "Forms of Life" Ben Buller, the newest addition to The Advanced Apes, introduces Forms of LIfe, a new blog. Forms of Life will attempt to highlight good and bad treatment of science in popular and academic literature, as well as brainstorm interesting facets of the intersection between science and philosophy. Full Article: Welcome … Continue reading Welcome to “Forms of Life”
Personal Influences
Personal Influences Regardless of the path in life that you follow, most of us were inspired by the generation that came before. This inspiration creates a desire within us to build on what we were given and make the world a better place. Evolutionary anthroplogists Cadell Last and Travis Steffens discuss the people that inspired … Continue reading Personal Influences