The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis by Elaine Morgan

In 2016, David Attenborough did his own series of radio programs on the subject entitled The Waterside Ape, including recently discovered physiological characteristics perhaps attributable to these earlier aquatic ancestors.

Still, Morgan did receive invitations to speak at numerous universities and symposiums, including giving this delightful TED Talk back in 2009. In more recent years, these otherwise fringe anthropological theories actually appear to have taken on a life of their own. The story of Morgan’s quest to have the hypothesis taken seriously is objectively detailed in this 1998 BBC documentary “The Aquatic Ape.” (apologies for the poor quality of this video recording, but it’s still worth watching)Īlthough continuing to give lectures around the world for many years, there remains much push back from those seemingly with vested interests in maintaining the status quo, or so it often seems. Over the years she has successfully countered many of the entrenched arguments used in attacking her theories, which has only served to make her own explanations all the better thought out. Listed among these various titles, Morgan will be best remembered for her Aquatic Ape Hypothesis.įrom the standpoint of an academic outsider and non-scientist, Morgan has met strong institutional resistance put up in defense of more established anthropological scenarios.

Welsh evolutionary anthropologist Elaine Morgan is author of a number of books on the subject of physical anthropology, including some controversial views on our human origins.

Elaine Morgan and her Aquatic Ape Hypothesis

The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis by Elaine Morgan