Dating the Origin of Us

Bibliographic Collection: 
CARTA-Inspired Publication
Publication Type: Journal Article
Authors: Ajit Varki
Year of Publication: 2013
Journal: The Scientist
Volume: 27
Edition: 11/1/2013
Number: 11
Pagination: 28-29
Publication Language: eng
Abstract:

When did “behaviorally modern humans” (BMHs)—i.e., us, the single species that has taken over the planet using our unusual cognitive abilities—first arise? We do not know for sure, but anthropogeny, which takes a systematic approach to explaining human origins, offers some clues. Advances in anthropogeny require a broad array of information gathered from numerous disciplines. But most human-origin events are shrouded in mystery and difficult to reconstruct, making this a discipline where setting up thought experiments could be useful.

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