Elaine Morgan's The Aquatic Ape Theory

In efforts to answer the enigma of how modern humans have evolved to become the way they are today, countless theories of human evolution have been proposed. Although there is no concrete means of knowing everything about early human development, the suggested theories make both accurate and inaccurate points based off the evidence attainable at this time. Among these proposed theories is the “aquatic ape theory”, which suggests that humans underwent an aquatic stage where they lived permanently or semi-permanently in water. This aquatic ancestor called Homo aquaticus account for a major gap in the fossil record. The idea of an aquatic human ancestor was first proposed by Max Westenhofer in the 1940s, and the notion was further developed by Marine biologist Alistair Hardy, who published a paper documenting the theory. However, the most well-known advocate for “aquatic ape theory” is Elaine Morgan due to her book The Aquatic Ape Hypothesis which was published in 1999. Ultimately, this theory was only proposed as a response to the criticism encompassing the African Savannah Theory. The main argument of the theory implies that humans have adaptations for a life with water, but not a life on the Savannah. Due to a flood in Africa, lakes and rivers became scattered all over, forcing early humans into the water in order to survive. With their evidence based upon select anatomical features of human, supporters of this theory conclude that the thick fat layer, hairlessness, and bipedalism of modern humans is a result of an aquatic ancestor. According to Morgan, humans have a layer of fat bonded to the epidermis which would have stopped the heat loss triggered by the lack of hair. This bond between the two layers is found in sea mammals like whales but not apes. Hairlessness arose to provide Homo aquaticus with improved swim abilities. Morgan argues that hairless animals such as elephants and hippos are either aquatic mammals or remain better suited to life in the water. Additionally, the “aquatic ape theory” sees bipedalism as an evolutionary change that occurred in order to keep heads above water; therefore, the notion that bipedalism is more energy efficient proves inaccurate. This component of the theory is only supported by one mammal who is bipedal and resides near water. While the “aquatic ape theory” makes some valid points about a possible human evolution route, the theory overall lacks solid evidence. It is not a true scientific theory as it as never been tested and most of the evidence for the theory proves inaccurate. As the basis of support for the theory involves several aquatic and land mammals, testing this theory would prove highly unethical. Not to mention, the disapproval of the theory and lack of recognition leads testing to be futile. As the major claims of the theory can be simply dismissed by noting that sweating is not found in any aquatic animals; the fat of humans does not resemble the blubber found in aquatic …show more content…
As no testing has been done to the bolster up the theory and no fossil evidence exists of thick fat layers, hairlessness, and bipedal swimming mammals, the theory obtains little respect from other scientists. Even today, people ignorantly believe this theory due to its simplicity and convincingness without realizing it is illogical after considering its