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That CAN'T be true! / Maybe it is true....maybe not
« on: 20/07/2007 09:56:54 »There is a theory known as the aquatic ape theory that suggests that humans, as they diverged from other apes, spent some of their time living on the shoreline, half in the sea, half on land (rather like seals). The theory is not mainstream, but it does exist.This theory is based for a large part on the hair growth patterns found on human (male) bodies.
I understand that humans differ strongly from other apes not only in density of hair (an adaptation that may have arisen at a different time) but also in the general direction of the hairs.
If you look at the back of a particularly hirsute (spelling?) man you can almost see the streamline patterns formed. Attempts to refute this often claim the patterns are beneficial for cooling and/or sweat release also the function of hair as a sexual display: pubic/underarm hair and also male chest hair.
I seem to remember hearing that someone claimed there was also some evidence that our teeth could have been adapted to a fish / shellfish diet.
After all life came from the sea and many species later returned to it to a greater or lesser extent (think Hippos and manatees or seals and blue whales!)
mmm, food for thought