The Joe Rogan Experience #1561 - Kermit Pattison
Nov 10, 2020
Kermit Pattison, a journalist and author of 'Fossil Men', discusses his captivating journey of uncovering ancient skeletons, particularly exploring Ardipithecus and its implications for human evolution. He reveals the complexities of early human anatomy and tool use, while emphasizing the importance of genomic science in understanding ancestry. Pattison also dives into debates on monogamy, social structures, and the intriguing adaptations of prehistoric species, all while shedding light on the challenges faced by paleontologists in their groundbreaking discoveries.
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Artie's Discovery
- Ardipithecus, "Artie", was discovered in Ethiopia in 1994.
- The skeleton's discovery was a long process, spanning years of searching and piecing together fragments.
Against the Odds
- The discovery of Artie's skeleton was improbable due to harsh conditions and scavenging animals.
- Researchers crawled on hands and knees, meticulously collecting every fragment.
Rare Fossilization
- Fossilization is rare, requiring specific conditions and the absence of complete degradation.
- Artie's skeleton was remarkably intact despite the prevalence of predators and scavengers like hyenas and pigs.
