Posted on 03/30/2010 7:39:45 PM PDT by SunkenCiv
According to Woody Allen, it is his second favourite organ and it absorbs more than 25% of the energy that our bodies generate. But why? For what purposes did the human brain evolve and why does it take so much of our physiological resources? Such questions have absorbed scientists for decades and have now been given an expected answer by Colin Blakemore. In a recent lecture, the Oxford neurobiologist argued that a mutation in the brain of a single human being 200,000 years ago turned intellectually able apemen into a super-intelligent species that would conquer the world. In short, Homo sapiens is a genetic accident.
Most scientists believe we achieved our intellectual status through gradual evolution. Blakemore's intervention will therefore come as a surprise and an upset, although this will not faze the provocative 66-year-old.
(Excerpt) Read more at guardian.co.uk ...
Such an event is very likely the result of quantum theory, a sudden, unexpected jump. Quantum theory would also explain the “jumps”, or “missing links” in evolution.
Another significant gene change was the introduction of the white gene in our ancestors moving north from Africa. This enabled them to survive the lack of sunshine in Ice Age Europe and successfully compete reproductively with the Neanderthals.
The Neandertal EnigmaFrayer's own reading of the record reveals a number of overlooked traits that clearly and specifically link the Neandertals to the Cro-Magnons. One such trait is the shape of the opening of the nerve canal in the lower jaw, a spot where dentists often give a pain-blocking injection. In many Neandertal, the upper portion of the opening is covered by a broad bony ridge, a curious feature also carried by a significant number of Cro-Magnons. But none of the alleged 'ancestors of us all' fossils from Africa have it, and it is extremely rare in modern people outside Europe." [pp 126-127]
by James Shreeve
in local libraries
:’D
You’ve been reading the “women invented beer” topic, admit it. ;’)
Yes, indeed, certain . . . enhancements . . . were needed.
Is that Brunswick Man?
the illustrated skull in #19 was discovered in Monte Alban, Mexico.
Bad Joke, the holes placement looked like a bowling ball.
sorry, didn’t catch that, I’m an Australian.
...yeah, well, I think I left the suitcase at my uncle’s...
Oops! I should have paid more attention to your tagline, mate!
Is this a GGG topic?
Yes, it is. One can tell by the GGG ping message in it.
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