From:: "Gina A. Levow"
To: gsl@ai.mit.edu
Subject: GSL - Friday 12/5 - 12:15
Date: Fri, 5 Dec 97 11:27:52 -0500

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