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Leading Primatologist Explains Why We Are Who We Are

Gene Powell

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Published in Our Inner Ape: A Leading Primatologist Explains Why We Are Who We Are

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Our Inner Ape: A Leading Primatologist Explains Why We Are Who We Are

by Pinky McKay

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	316 pages

In this article, leading primatologist Dr. Jane Goodall explains why we are who we are. She discusses the evolutionary history of humans, our relationship with other primates, and the challenges we face as a species.

The Evolutionary History of Humans

Humans are descended from a group of primates that lived in Africa about 6 million years ago. These early humans were bipedal, meaning they walked upright on two legs. They had opposable thumbs, which allowed them to grasp objects. And they had a large brain, which gave them the ability to learn and communicate.

Over time, humans migrated to other parts of the world. They adapted to different climates and environments. And they developed new technologies and cultures.

Our Relationship with Other Primates

Humans are closely related to other primates, such as chimpanzees, bonobos, and gorillas. We share 98% of our DNA with chimpanzees. This means that we are more closely related to chimpanzees than we are to any other animal on Earth.

Our relationship with other primates can help us to understand ourselves. By studying chimpanzees and other primates, we can learn about our own evolutionary history and behavior.

The Challenges We Face as a Species

Humans are facing a number of challenges as a species. These challenges include climate change, overpopulation, and pollution.

Climate change is a major threat to human health and well-being. It is causing sea levels to rise, which is displacing people and destroying ecosystems. It is also causing more extreme weather events, such as hurricanes and droughts.

Overpopulation is another major challenge. The world's population is growing rapidly. This is putting a strain on our resources and environment.

Pollution is also a major problem. We are polluting our air, water, and land. This is harming our health and the environment.

Humans are a unique species. We have the ability to learn, communicate, and cooperate. We have also developed a complex culture and technology.

However, we also face a number of challenges as a species. These challenges include climate change, overpopulation, and pollution.

If we want to survive as a species, we need to work together to address these challenges. We need to develop new technologies and policies that will help us to reduce our impact on the environment and to live in a more sustainable way.

We also need to learn from other primates. By studying chimpanzees and other primates, we can learn about our own evolutionary history and behavior. This knowledge can help us to understand ourselves better and to make better decisions for our future.

Our Inner Ape: A Leading Primatologist Explains Why We Are Who We Are

by Pinky McKay

4.5 out of 5