Ideas change everything

I believe we evolved from aquatic apes

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Elaine Morgan |

TEDGlobal 2009

• July 2009

(NOTE: Statements in this talk have been challenged by scientists working in this field. Read "Corrections & Updates" below for more details.) Elaine Morgan was a tenacious proponent of a theory that is not widely accepted. The aquatic ape hypothesis lays out the idea that humans evolved from primate ancestors who dwelt in watery habitats. Hear her spirited defense of the idea -- and her theory on why science doesn't take it seriously.

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Want to use TED Talks in your organization?

(NOTE: Statements in this talk have been challenged by scientists working in this field. Read "Corrections & Updates" below for more details.) Elaine Morgan was a tenacious proponent of a theory that is not widely accepted. The aquatic ape hypothesis lays out the idea that humans evolved from primate ancestors who dwelt in watery habitats. Hear her spirited defense of the idea -- and her theory on why science doesn't take it seriously.

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This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.

About the speaker

Aquatic ape theorist

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Elaine Morgan, armed with an arsenal of television writing credits and feminist credentials, spent her life on a mission to prove humans evolved in water.

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Corrections & Updates

There is no scientific evidence supporting the aquatic ape hypothesis. Click for more details.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference.

Read our curation guidelines.