Dr. Briana Pobiner will discuss her approach to science education and outreach in communicating about human evolution. Her methods focus on listening, respect, and finding connections with public audiences.
A newly discovered infant ape skull from 13 million years ago provides insights into the evolution of human ancestors. The fossil, nicknamed Alesi, reveals a brain cavity, inner ears, and unerupted teeth that indicate it belonged to a new species, Nyanzapithecus alesi.
Recent baboon studies provide insights into the complexity of monkey social behavior and suggest that natural selection has favored sophisticated social intelligence in primates. This research may inform theories concerned with the evolution of human language and cognition.