The State of Things African great ape populations are facing several anthropogenic threats (e.g., hunting, disease transmission, habitat loss). A recent study has revealed that habitat loss may be the most critical and is a far larger threat than previously believed by experts. If the rate of habitat loss continues to increase, the African great … Continue reading The State of Things
Author: Cadell Last
Hello. I'm probably drinking coffee and reading.
Creationism in Public Schools
Creationism in Public Schools Creationism is still commonly taught in biology classrooms throughout North America. Several states teach it 'along side' evolution. What role should religion play in public school? And specifically how should biology teachers approach creationist philosophy in class? Full Article: Creationism in Public Schools in The Advanced Apes
Evolutionary Thought Pre-Darwin Pt. 1
Evolutionary Thought Pre-Darwin Pt. 1 Intellectuals have been discussing the idea of biological evolution for much longer than is generally believed. Evolutionary thought has its roots in ancient Eurasian intellectual traditions and was widely discussed for centuries before the rise of Christianity. Full Article: Evolutionary Thought Pre-Darwin Pt.1 on The Advanced Apes
Can There Be Another Jane Goodall?
Can There Be Another Jane Goodall? Charles Darwin, Louis Leakey and Jane Goodall are all evolutionary pioneers and intellectual pillars of contemporary evolutionary thought. However, their discoveries and contributions to the various evolutionary fields were uniquely historically contingent. Is it possible for any modern day evolutionary academics to make comparable breakthroughs? Full Article: Can There … Continue reading Can There Be Another Jane Goodall?
Meeting With Jane
Meeting With Jane Jane Goodall has been a tremendous influence to me academically. Her research inspired me to study chimpanzees, learn about human evolution and attempt to make a career for myself in academia. Recently I had a chance to meet and speak with her and it was once of the most memorable events in … Continue reading Meeting With Jane
Global Religiosity
Global Religiosity A recent global religiosity and atheism survey was conducted by the Pew Research Center. The results indicate that overall religious belief is declining and atheism is growing. However, most humans on the planet still adhere to a religion and that belief seems to be dependent on a number of predictable variables. Full Article: … Continue reading Global Religiosity
Presidential Candidates on Science
Presidential Candidates on Science The 2012 American presidential candidates frequently discuss economic and social issues. However, they are very rarely made to discuss the most important scientific issues of the day, despite the fact that our future as a species depends on scientific literacy and competence. In a recent science debate the two candidates discussed … Continue reading Presidential Candidates on Science
A World With More Than One Human Species
A World With More Than One Human Species For most of our species existence we shared this planet with other humans (i.e., Neaderthals, Denisova). They co-existed in many regions throughout Eurasia for tens of thousands of years. What was their relationship like? And what would our world look like today if there were more than … Continue reading A World With More Than One Human Species
Decoding Our Family
Decoding Our Family In 2000 we sequenced the human genome. Over the past decade primatologists have decoded the genome of all great apes (chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos and orangutans). Now we can compare, contrast and learn more about our genetic relationship with our closest relatives. Throughout that time we have learned a tremendous amount about their … Continue reading Decoding Our Family
A Conservation Story Gone Bad
A Conservation Story Gone Bad In a recent conservation documentary by the BBC the social dynamics between the Afar tribe and the baboons are explored. Throughout the documentary conservation biologist Mat Pines attempts to build a positive relationship with the tribe but ends up failing to understand the root of the conflict. Full Article: A … Continue reading A Conservation Story Gone Bad