The Waterside Ape

The Oxford marine biologist Sir Alister Hardy first proposed the aquatic ape theory in 1960 as a challenge to the orthodox savannah scenario of human evolution in answering certain and topical questions. Elaine Morgan followed this up with her book The Descent of Woman, while Sir David Attenborough has presented two series on the idea, which remains controversial in the mainstream. However, it looks to the impartial observer as if the savannah theoreticians are defending their turf and failing to address the questions raised by the alternative view, preferring instead rhetorical devices and accusations of pseudoscience. Writing as an ENT surgeon and therefore with a background in human anatomy, the author presents a lucid exposition of human evolution as a whole, with an intermediate semi-aquatic phase, while identifying special features of the 'waterside ape' in terms of bipedalism, hairlessness, subcutaneous fat, thermoregulation and the size of our brains that are best explained through an affinity with aquatic habitats. Along with this are other anatomical features in terms of the head, neck, sinus and ear structures that distinguish us from our closest 'savannah apes.' Contrary to orthodox arguments, there is also fossil evidence in terms of 'abundant bony remnants of aquatic foods.' The author argues - validly it seems to me - that savannah theorists have no answer to the developmental questions he raises. The book deserves a wide readership among specialists and non-specialists alike.