ABSTRACT
The Incredible Journey through 6-7 million years of human evolution is summarized. The assumption that hominins evolved from our ancestral ape family by coming down from the trees on to the savannah was understandable in the context of limited scientific and archaeological evidence in the 19th century, but this theory has remained unchallenged, until recently.
Hardy and Morgan raised doubts about the unique differences in man compared with other primates who have remained unchanged for over 15 million years and proposed an alternative aquatic evolutionary scenario. Over the past 40 years mounting scientific evidence has provided proof of this littoral phase in Man’s evolution to show that humans evolved as semi-aquatic rather than terrestrial mammals, as is generally believed.
More recent developments in population growth and the challenges of ill-health are discussed, particularly the changes in causes of severe morbidity and death. The great increase during recent years in mental ill-health is highlighted and related to changing diet and decrease in sea food intake.
Our responsibility to look after our incredible planet, our fellow humans and safeguard the future for our children and future generations, is paramount.
