Blog articles
Why do some invasive species start to succeed only after a delay?
Reviewing a body of evolutionary theory that tries to understand the ultimate success of some invasions after a lag.
What is the temporal bone from Darra-i-Kur, Afghanistan?
A bone from a historic excavation in Afghanistan raises the topic of genetic reanalysis of fragmentary fossils.
New fossil material from Luzon suggests another small hominin may have lived on that island
The discovery of a small metatarsal from more than 67,000 years ago in the Philippines may reflect habitation prior to the arrival of modern people.
My reactions on the publication of the first draft Neandertal genome
Publication of the first draft of a Neandertal genome reveals that these ancient humans are among the ancestors of people living today.
The "blooming, buzzing confusion" of William James
I investigate the origin of a well-known quote by William James, which refers to "a baby's first experience of the world." Includes excerpts from James' Principles of Psychology (1890)
A mysterious mitochondrial sequence from Denisova Cave, Russia
A small fragment of finger bone with a DNA sequence that represents a previously-unknown form of hominin.
Return of the “amazing” Boskops
Bringing some scientific reality to an excerpt from a book that tries to revive the myth of an ancient, large-brained race of humans.
Remarkable preservation of an Acheulean campsite at Gesher Benot Ya'aqov
My notes on a publication describing evidence for cooking and eating fish, crabs, and plants
An in-depth look at the pelvic reconstruction of Ardipithecus
The pelvic anatomy of Ardipithecus ramidus may give clues about the posture and locomotion of this ancient species.
A new study of old shells shows shoreline resource use by Homo erectus
Notes on a study by José Joordens and coworkers on the Trinil collection associated with Eugene Dubois' original Pithecanthropus dig
