Something on Origins

Anthropologists study and make assumptions about the very origins of our species. Some adhere to Darwin’s theory of evolution, while some firmly believe in a Creator. Yet others theorise that our species was manipulated by aliens or in something else.

How we came to be is a fascination for many – even a quest.

The explanation given for diverse ethnicities doesn’t cut it for me. ‘Ethnicity’ is another name for ‘breed’ so our species is not alone in its’ diversity. Domestic animals, dogs, cats, horses, cattle and sheep, were recognised and bred for specific purposes. But look at the huge variety of birds, fish, insects, reptiles and primates, to begin the list. All adapted specifically, but mainly to take advantage of a food source niche.

It is not at all clear what particular niches the different human breeds filled. What difference in food source did say, India have as compared to East Africa, where humanity is presumed to have surfaced?

The Inuit filled one food source niche by consuming animal fat to counter the cold – but then, why did they not move out of cold areas when the climate warmed?

Seasonal influences cause fauna to change coats or feathers, but not humans. The hairiest breed should be the people living in cold regions, but mid-eastern men seem to sport the best beards – are they the hairiest?  Whales are hairless but they put on a layer of fat to keep warm, we do that too but we still need clothes.

The reason for different skin colour apparently is to do with the uptake of vitamin D but if so, how come all ethnicities survive quite well in all areas of the world? For instance, would descendants of a tropical ethnicity settled somewhere in Britain eventually evolve to become Caucasian without interbreeding – through mutation?

If you look at that picture depicting human evolution, the one from ape to upright man, the design seems to improve.

Our eyes are nicely spaced with a nose bridge in the middle and ears at the same level as our eyes. Without that precise design wearing glasses couldn’t happen! So how did that happen?

But is our design flawed? We are the only animal that needs to wipe its bum after defecating. In fact [excuse the pun] most animals can defecate while in motion – flying, walking or swimming! If humans needed to do it while fleeing, Darwin’s theory of survival of the fittest is compromised!

The anthropologist’s art of finding a bone fragment and being able to know the shape of the whole structure and even build a model it is truly amazing. Granted behind them is a huge amount of research, experience perhaps too, trial and error.

While there are many gaps in the knowledge, anthropologists have worked out how humans have developed over time, not always through evolution but through ability – which is more to do with gaining skills for development.

Humans have always needed shelter but are not alone in the need.  A rabbit will dig a burrow and line it with dry grass to create a nest for her young and of course birds build nests, usually on a temporary basis but nevertheless, sometimes very elaborate.

Some domestic sheep create a birth small area, while others do not and usually a cow will simply pick a suitable area but do nothing more. Some fauna sit in the shade, others bask in the sun but most shelter from the cold.

When man first sheltered in caves, he really needed to have fire because caves are generally cold places. Sure caves provide shelter from wind, rain and other powerful elements but they are cold. Some of the artwork the cave dwellers produced is astounding and shows that at an early time they had complex lives.

Much of the ancient evidence is lost because the most rudimentary shelters were wooden or other organic material which became worm or termite fodder and lost over time. Who knows what art treasures there were on those walls or even how the art came about?

Does the Bowerbird use art to attract a mate? A Penguin uses a stone that he thinks is beautiful to attract a mate, but otherwise the natural world does not use art. There is artistry but that’s different.

Few animals show signs of fear; dogs cower, others sound an alarm or simply sense danger and flee, but don’t show fear. Early humans did. They must have been very afraid of the huge, natural wildfires, but they overcame their fear and to use fire as a tool. In the process, making their caves/shelters more comfortable.

Responding to observation is enlightenment, after a wildfire there is always regrowth, then someone had the brainwave to plant a seed – germination, understanding is development.