Solving the puzzle of how we humans developed the unique traits that separate us from our ancient ancestors is a full-time, multidisciplinary pursuit. From fossils to food cultivation to social structure, the story of human evolution is written from many angles. Attendees heard from leaders in biology, anthropology, and archaeology who search for the answer to that most basic question: what makes us, us? This discussion included the remarkable findings of paleoanthropologist Lee Berger, whose Rising Star Expedition in South Africa has discovered a treasure trove of hominin fossils.
The World Science Festival’s annual salon series offers in-depth conversations with leading scientists, extending the discussion of the Festival’s premier public programs to graduate students, postdocs, faculty, and well-informed members of the general public.
This program is part of the Big Ideas Series, made possible with support from the John Templeton Foundation.
Photograph: Jon Smith
