On Human Origins

Recent research into early human behavior has challenged the long-standing view of early humans as canny hunters, proposing instead that our ancestors were particularly skilled scavengers. Ancient hominids would have waited for the large predators to finish with their prey, and then, using their superior dexterity to elude other scavengers. They then used their novel tools to enable them to crack bones and obtain the nutritious marrow within them.

If you are skeptical of the validity of this conjecture, please attend Friday's Graduate Student Lunch at the 8th Floor Deli. Here, in their natural habitat, you can observe graduate students exhibiting modern versions of those skills which enabled the survival of the early species. You will see a crowd gather, anticipating the arrival of fresh food, and quickly descend on the delicacies before them. Watch as they devour every last scrap of meat and cheese and all crumbs of fresh-baked bread. Wonder at the dexterity with which they wield their specialized tools (spoons) to scoop out the last bites of potato salad. If these activities still do not persuade you of the scavenging skills of humankind, you will at least have enjoyed a satisfying meal.

This experiment designed by: Sandy, Eric, and Gina
Materials:
French and Italian breads
Assorted Meats, Cheeses, Hummus
Fresh lettuce and tomato
Condiments
Salads
Sodas
Ice cream