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In short, the fossil record is perfectly compatible with…

“In short, the fossil record is perfectly compatible with the supposition that at some time between eight and six million years ago, at the north end of the Rift Valley where the most ancient hominid remains have been found, one section of the l. c. a. population found itself living in a watery…” quote by Elaine Morgan
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““In short, the fossil record is perfectly compatible with the supposition that at some time between eight and six million years ago, at the north end of the Rift Valley where the most ancient hominid remains have been found, one section of the l. c. a. population found itself living in a watery environment and—whether by choice or under duress—began to adapt to a semi-aquatic existence.””

Elaine Morgan

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

The fossil record suggests a hominin group adapted to a semi‑aquatic lifestyle around 8‑6 million years ago in the Rift Valley.

In simple terms: Ancient humans may have lived near water and evolved aquatic traits.

Key Takeaway

Consider environmental pressures in human evolution.

Themes

evolution anthropology environment history

Mood

curious analytical speculative

Type

scientific theoretical

When to use this quote

  • archaeology
  • climate change
  • habitat shift
  • human origins

Key Concepts

aquatic adaptation fossil evidence speciation

Questions to Reflect On

  • How does aquatic adaptation explain modern human traits?
  • What alternative explanations exist for these fossils?
A Different Perspective

Limited fossil evidence makes this hypothesis controversial.

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