The Random Comic Strip

The Random Comic Strip

Words to live by...

"How beautiful it is to do nothing, and to rest afterward."

[Spanish Proverb]

Ius luxuriae publice datum est

(The right to looseness has been officially given)

"Everyone carries a part of society on his shoulders," wrote Ludwig von Mises, "no one is relieved of his share of responsibility by others. And no one can find a safe way for himself if society is sweeping towards destruction. Therefore everyone, in his own interest, must thrust himself vigorously into the intellectual battle."

Apparently, the crossword puzzle that disappeared from the blog, came back.


Friday, August 10, 2012

Who's yer monkey?


Now, here's something of interest... It seems they (scientists in this case) have discovered evidence of a different species of human living alongside (meaning in the same general habitat and time frame) our ancestors some 2 million or so years ago.
Link


They say it is significant and that it is a break from the common idea that there was a direct line between primitive ape and human.

I am not surprised by this finding. Ever since I learned of Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon humans co-existing, I rejected the linear version of human evolution. It turns out these two are not truly separate species, however, unless they have determined that inter-species breeding can happen. I was once taught that it cannot. We have learned, through DNA analysis, that Neanderthal and Cro-Magnon did interbreed.

As I saw it (evolution) then (and now); species evolve independently, vie for resources, and either succeed or die out. Those that are best suited for the environment have a better chance than those not suited and are unwilling to re-locate. Of those that can adapt to their habitat (and humans are incredibly adaptable), the species that can successfully breed (expand numbers faster than the death rate) are likely to be the "winners."

While reading the article, I would have been more surprised to learn the opposite (unity of species in the early evolution of humans) was true.


3 comments:

Tom Sightings said...

I dunno, sometimes B thinks I'm a different species. But I guess that's a whole 'nother issue. But otherwise, I'm with you. You just know, throughout history, that if two creatures can get it on ... they will, or at least some of them will.

Douglas4517 said...

 We are of a species which has no "mating season".  Like rodents and insects.

Torggil said...

I watched a program wherein they suggested that Salish's and Neanderthals interbred. This didn't surprise me as historically European explorers didn't have any scruples when it came to taking "country wives" when away. In the case of men, if anything close can be considered available, it will be used.