The Human Evolution Blog

The Value of Social Relationships During Aging in Female Rhesus Macaques

April 9, 2018

Rhesus monkeys have an intricate social structure. There is a dominance hierarchy, meaning that not all individuals enjoy the same rank in the group. This also effects the value that individuals gain from each of their relationships. Obviously, having powerful allies is of great value. And to maintain a powerful position requires allies. These are all … More The Value of Social Relationships During Aging in Female Rhesus Macaques

Children and Lying

February 20, 2018

When, how, and why do children lie and what can parents do to help them be truthful? … More Children and Lying

Why Legalizing Marijuana Leads to a DROP in Teen Drug Use (hint: evolution)

February 5, 2018

Evolutionary Psychology predicted it; Data now confirms it; Legalizing marijuana doesn’t increase teen drug use. … More Why Legalizing Marijuana Leads to a DROP in Teen Drug Use (hint: evolution)

A New Method to Detect Natural Selection in Genes

January 15, 2018

Researchers have developed a new method to discover the precise genetic differences between humans and our ape relatives. … More A New Method to Detect Natural Selection in Genes

How much of our genome is junk?

December 15, 2017

In a recent episode of This World of Humans, I interview Dr. Dan Graur of the University of Houston about his recent paper entitled, An Upper Limit on the Functional Fraction of the Human Genome. … More How much of our genome is junk?

Cats Can Find Their Own Kittens by Smell; They Just Don’t Care

November 27, 2017

A new study resolves an old dispute. Cat mothers DO recognize their own kittens by smell, even if they don’t favor them in retrieval tests. … More Cats Can Find Their Own Kittens by Smell; They Just Don’t Care

Even Marmosets Develop Regional Dialects

November 14, 2017

New research confirms that marmoset calls vary in different groups, showing that the calls are learned, not strictly biologically programmed. … More Even Marmosets Develop Regional Dialects

Launch of My New Podcast: This World of Humans

October 26, 2017

Hello subscribers of The Human Evolution Blog. I am happy to announce that I am now launching a new science podcast entitled, “This World of Humans.” TWOH will feature new discoveries in the areas of life and social science with an interview with the lead scientist and other guests. I will cover any new research … More Launch of My New Podcast: This World of Humans

Video: An Impromptu Skype Call with Lee Berger and John Hawks from inside the Rising Star Caves as They Excavated More Homo naledi Fossils

September 18, 2017

Perhaps the most famous paleoanthropology team are now live-streaming their fossil excavation efforts from South Africa … More Video: An Impromptu Skype Call with Lee Berger and John Hawks from inside the Rising Star Caves as They Excavated More Homo naledi Fossils

Dogs Understand the Concept of Different Perspectives

June 28, 2017

New research reveals that dog have an understanding of what you can and can’t know based on what you can see. This argues that they may have a “theory of mind.” … More Dogs Understand the Concept of Different Perspectives

Professor Nathan H. Lents and His Students Discuss Human Origins