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In the mid-19th century, Charles Darwin developed the scientific theory of evolution by natural selection, published in his book ‘On the Origin of Species’. Since then, evolution, how living things change over time, has fascinated scientists. This evening will explore how evolution has the capacity to drive a number of different features in the human body. Join us to discuss the evolution of the foot, brain and even masturbation in humans and beyond! On the night, you'll also down Shots of Science, where scientists compete to tell you about their latest discoveries in two minutes or less!
How our Feet Evolved and Why it Matters
Dr Kris D'Aout
(Lecturer in Biomechanics)
How did the human foot evolve to become this highly-specialised structure upon which we, upright primates, rely so much? Answering this question would help us understand how our feet support our bodies and enable us to walk. Drawing from examples in his laboratory as well as work in remote locations where people walk on natural terrains with indigenous shoes, or no shoes at all, Kris will explain the little we know about how the human foot works.
Why Animals Masturbate
Dr Tom Price
(Lecturer, Institute of Integrative Biology)
Some animals, like ducks and crows, seem to never masturbate. Others masturbate loads, like parakeets, dogs, and chimpanzees. This talk will discuss some of the theories for why there are such stark differences between species, and examine when masturbation evolved, and why.
What Makes the Human Brain Special?
Dr Tom Butts
(Programme Director for Anatomy)
How did the brain evolve? It probably started in some sort of very disgusting worm that had just evolved an anus (and therefore no longer had to defecate out of its mouth) crawling around on a sea floor some 550 million years ago. With this in mind, Tom will walk us through the big events in the brain’s evolutionary past, especially the evolution of vertebrate brains from invertebrate ones, and conclude with our best guesses as to what makes the primate and especially the human brain special. He will also ask volunteers to do some daft acting!
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