Happy Atheist Forum

General => Science => Topic started by: Pharaoh Cat on November 19, 2011, 12:37:44 AM

Title: Aquatic Ape Theory of Human Origins
Post by: Pharaoh Cat on November 19, 2011, 12:37:44 AM
Did humans evolve from aquatic apes?  Anybody interested in this question?  Here's a link to a good summary of the key components of the theory:
http://www.primitivism.com/aquatic-ape.htm
Title: Re: Aquatic Ape Theory of Human Origins
Post by: Recusant on November 19, 2011, 04:31:14 AM
Yes, I find it interesting. However, after reading through Jim Moore's site Aquatic Ape Theory: Sink or Swim? (http://www.aquaticape.org/) I would give it about a 0.5 on a scale of 10 for scientific credibility.
Title: Re: Aquatic Ape Theory of Human Origins
Post by: Pharaoh Cat on November 20, 2011, 09:38:14 AM
Thanks, Recusant.  I'm sad to see it go but I'm jettisoning the Aquatic Ape Theory.  This particular portion of the site you recommended was for me the decisive one: http://www.aquaticape.org/aatclaims.html
Title: Re: Aquatic Ape Theory of Human Origins
Post by: Recusant on November 20, 2011, 04:52:20 PM
Yes, I sympathize. I liked the idea of our ancestors happily paddling about, kind of like less suave dolphins (who do seem to have a good quotient of fun in their lives).

Moore isn't pulling any punches though, and I agree that the page you linked is devastating to the claims made by the proponents of the theory/hypothesis.
Title: Re: Aquatic Ape Theory of Human Origins
Post by: Squid on November 22, 2011, 04:04:44 PM
The AAT is one of those "theories" which seems, superficially, plausible but once it starts being examined critically it ends up being nothing but fluff.