When did our ancestors look the way we expect the earliest members of our genus to have looked? When did they behave in the way we expect the earliest members of our genus to have behaved? The search for what defines the genus Homo has spanned decades and is still debated among scientists today. In this talk, paleoanthropologist Dr. Bernard Wood will survey the history of attempts to find the earliest members of the genus Homo, including very recent and controversial additions. He will review the complications that arise from defining the genus and discuss how half-a-century of paleontological research has taught him what to look for within the hominin fossil record when searching for the origins of our genus Homo.

This event is free to attend, no registration is necessary.

Doors open at 6:00 pm for a book signing of Dr. Bernard Wood’s book Human Evolution: A Very Short Introduction.

Presented in partnership with the Chicago Council on Science and Technology and The Chicago Public Library, Harold Washington Center.

Sponsored by:
Camilla and George Smith
Ann and Gordon Getty