Evolution and Medicine.
February 1, 2009
Whilst watching Richard Dawkins interview Randolph Nesse (see below), I was struck by just how few doctors have, it seems, a background that includes evolutionary theory. The very notion seems quite preposterous — not in the least what I would have expected.
This apart, I was fascinated by the insights that Nesse provided — and rather than waffle on about them myself, because it’s Sunday and I’ve eaten too much, I’ll leave it to the man himself to explain. (The explanation of why our intestines are prone to becoming entangled/twisted seemed so obvious once he’d explained it!)
If you find the video interesting you may also want to visit the website Evolution and Medicine Network.
All text © 2009 Gary William Murning
February 3, 2009 at 17:22
This is great! John has recently become interested in biology and human evolution. I think I’ll include this in our next science lesson. We love to read and watch videos, and then just talk about it. Not sure how to grade that, but we’re both learning a lot!
Thanks for posting this!
February 3, 2009 at 17:36
It’s a really informative piece, isn’t it? Don’t forget, there are four more. This was just the first ten minutes or so.
It just hadn’t occurred to me that we aren’t selected for health/longevity, even though I realised it was all about reproduction. Fascinating
Great to know that you can use it, too!