Human Genetics & Evolution
Stone tools and the evolution of modern human cognition
By Philip Guelpa, December 18, 2012
A newly reported microlithic technology from a site in South Africa helps close the apparent temporal gap between the biological evolution of modern humans and the archaeological evidence of fully modern cognitive abilities.
New fossils support a multiple-species view of early human evolution
By Philip Guelpa, August 31, 2012
Newly reported fossils from East Africa indicate multiple branches in early human evolution.
Did Neanderthals create cave art?
By Philip Guelpa, July 10, 2012
It is possible that simple representations such as disks and negative hand prints, which new dating indicates were the earliest forms of cave art, were, in fact, originated by Neanderthals.
A further discussion on human evolution
January 3, 2012
Philip Guelpa responds to a letter on his article about the relationship between Neanderthals and Homo sapiens
New research may show that Neanderthals did not go extinct
By Philip Guelpa, December 27, 2011
DNA derived from the Neanderthals has been found in many human populations around the globe
New hominin fossil finds in South Africa may fill a gap in the record of human evolution
By Philip Guelpa, September 23, 2011
A newly reported fossil discovery from the Malapa, South Africa may provide greater insight into the evolution of the genus Homo from our australopithecine ancestors. The fossils consist of remains of two individuals, an adult female and juvenile male, possibly a mother and son.
New research sheds light on cognitive abilities of animals
By Frances Gaertner, June 10, 2011
Recent research has begun to investigate the cognitive abilities of animals and is helping to identify the evolutionary developments made by human beings that began to distinguish them from apes.
Fossil discovery confirms “Lucy” walked upright
By Chris Talbot, February 25, 2011
A new 3.2 million-year-old fossil discovery at Hadar, Ethiopia shows that Australopithecus afarensis, an ancestor of modern humans, had arched feet and was “committed” to walking upright.
A letter on the Denisova discovery
January 25, 2011
The World Socialist Web Site received this letter in response to “The Denisova discovery: Ancient genomics shed new light on human origins,” published January 17, 2011.
The Denisova discovery: Ancient genomics shed new light on human origins
By Thomas H. Douglass, January 17, 2011
An international team of scientists made headlines last year when they used genetic evidence to show that an ancient people, once living in the Altai Mountains of southern Siberia, were distant cousins of the Neanderthals and contributed to the modern human genome before their extinction.
The Artificial Ape: How humans invented themselves
By Philip Guelpa, January 3, 2011
The new book by Timothy Taylor proposes that a technological invention was critical to the biological evolution of modern humans.
“Strange Fruit” by Kenan Malik: A polemic against racism and identity politics
By Nancy Hanover, May 8, 2010
Kenan Malik has situated himself in the crosshairs of the dispute over the nature of race, arguing from the standpoint of Enlightenment rationalism and scientific objectivity.
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