"Africa was the ancient source of modern humans worldwide. Bushmen are longtime hunter-gatherers who represent the oldest known lineage of modern humans.
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Now that is going to upset a lot of people.
So who put 'em there?
And might the scientists be wrong?
"DNA findings may point to new human ancestor; Species found in Siberia unlike modern man"by Malcolm Ritter, Associated Press | March 25, 2010
NEW YORK — In the latest use of DNA to investigate the story of humankind, scientists have decoded genetic material from an unidentified human ancestor who lived in Siberia and concluded it might be a new member of the human family tree....
In any case, the finding emphasizes that quite unlike the present day, anatomically modern humans have often lived alongside their evolutionary relatives, one specialist said.
“We weren’t alone,’’ said Todd Disotell of New York University, who was familiar with the new work.
“When we became modern, we didn’t instantly replace everybody. There were other guys running around who survived quite well until very, very recently.’’
Yeah, like who?
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Speaking of the lovable lugs:
"UN report says gorillas imperiled by African trade" by Associated Press | March 25, 2010
NAIROBI — Gorillas in central Africa are in danger from illegal logging, mining, and hunters who are killing great apes for meat, said a joint report from the United Nations and Interpol released yesterday.
I'm really not for a world dictatorship; however, if there is one issue I would wish it imposed, this is it.
Forced vegetarianism.
A previous report in 2002 estimated that only 10 percent of gorillas would remain by 2030. The author of the 2002 report and of the newly released one said that estimate now appears too optimistic.
“We fear now that the gorillas may become extinct from most parts of their range in perhaps 15 years,’’ UN Environmental Program’s Christian Nellemann said.
Didn't they just find a whole crapload though?
One of the dangers that gorillas now face is a large increase in logging for timber that is mostly destined for Asia, particularly China, said Nellemann, also editor of the newly released report “The Last Stand of the Gorilla.’’
Militant factions have also taken over gorilla land, making the protection of gorillas extremely difficult, he said. Increasing human populations and the Ebola virus are also killing gorillas.
Achim Steiner, executive director of UNEP, said that logging and mining camps hire poachers to supply refugees and markets with the meat of wild animals, including gorillas.
The report calls for greater scrutiny of European and Asian companies using subsidiaries to extract timber and minerals from central Africa.
Related: Around Africa: Calling the Congo
“This is tragedy for the great apes and one also for countless other species being impacted by this intensifying and all too often illegal trade,’’ Steiner said in a statement. “In short, it is environmental crime and theft by the few and the powerful at the expense of the poor and the vulnerable.’’
Then ALL world leaders should be put on trial!
Related:
"GOODY BASKET -- A gorilla munched on a gift she found in an Easter basket put out by zookeepers yesterday at the Cincinnati Zoo. An egg hunt was on the holiday agenda for the gorillas, and elephants were expected to smash eggs (Boston Globe April 3 2010)."
Wow, that made my eyes water.
My two favorite animals on the face of the planet.
Also see: Animals From B to Z
Second item down, readers.
