Science Friday > Archives > 2004 > November > November 19, 2004:
Hour Two: Anthropology Update / Richard Dawkins

Where did we come from, biologically speaking? In this hour of Science Friday, Ira talks with biologist Richard Dawkins about his latest book, 'The Ancestor's Tale,' a tour through the evolution of life on Planet Earth.

Plus, researchers in Spain say they've made a fossil find that could be close to the last common ancestor of all great apes and humans. We'll find out about the new member of the family tree. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern).

During this hour, Ira and Dr. Dawkins got to talking about how hard it is to remember the names of various geologic time periods. Ever helpful, our listeners stepped up to the plate with a collection of mnemonic devices.

above: The face of Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, featuring a primitive, sloping profile. Other features of its skull are similar to those of modern great apes. (Image © Science)

Guests:
David R. Begun
Professor, Department of Anthropology
University of Toronto
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
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Richard Dawkins
Author, 'The Ancestor's Tale: A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Evolution' (Houghton Mifflin, 2004)
Charles Simonyi Professor of the Public Understanding of Science
Oxford University
Oxford, United Kingdom

This segment produced by Charles Bergquist

 

Archived Audio:
anthropology update
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Richard Dawkins
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streaming audio help from NPR

Related Links:
Geologic Mnemonics

The Miocene Epoch
Dad, is that you? Humans, apes had common ancestor, researchers say

Geologic Time: The Miocene
Talk . Origins Archive: Exploring the Creation/Evolution Controversy

The World of Richard Dawkins
Edge: RICHARD DAWKINS
Richard Dawkins

Books/Articles Discussed:
'The Ancestor's Tale: A Pilgrimage to the Dawn of Evolution' by Richard Dawkins. Houghton Mifflin, 2004.

"Pierolapithecus catalaunicus, a New Middle Miocene Great Ape from Spain," by S. Moyà-Solà, M. Köhler, D.M. Alba, I. Casanovas-Vilar at Diputacion de Barcelona, in Barcelona, Spain; D.M. Alba and J. Galindo at Palaeotheria, S.C.P. in Barcelona, Spain. Science, 19 Nov 2004.

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