Paleoanthropologist | Ask An Anthropologist

a scientist that specializes in the study of human evolution.

Read more about Famous anthropology finds

The first early human fossils were discovered in Europe in 1829. These fossil findings excited scientists. They wanted to understand how old these fossils were and how they came to be. More fossils were found in the following years. To this day, new specimens are also being found. All kinds of people find fossils, but it's good to recognize some of the people who have made the largest impacts on anthropology.

A family affair

Over time, a diverse cast of characters has shaped anthropology and its research.

Read more about The Brainy Branch

Our species, Homo sapiens, are incredibly unique among the species on Earth today.

There are many thousands of species across the world, from microscopic bacteria to massive whales. And many more species have become extinct since life arose on our planet. But humans are the only upright walking, large-brained, tool-using species alive today.

Read more about Who Are You?

Have you ever wondered how your cat, dog, bird, lizard, or fish is related to you? Animal bodies today are like living history books. They tell us a story that goes back at least 500 million years.

Read more about The Tales of Teeth

You are sitting in a dark movie theater. You are trying to enjoy the movie, but you keep thinking about a pesky piece of popcorn stuck between your molars, the back teeth. After fumbling for a toothpick in your pocket, you dislodge the popcorn. You glance down at the toothpick and see a bit of blood from your gums. Although the popcorn is gone, your tooth still throbs with pain.

Read more about Chimpanzee Mother and Babies

IHO Founding Director Donald Johanson visited the Jane Goodall Institute in Gombe, Tanzania, and was lucky to come upon this little band of mother chimpanzees with their babies. Johanson is the paleoanthropologist who discovered the famous "Lucy" fossil in Hadar, Ethiopia in 1974. He has traveled all over the world, but you can hear the surprise and wonder in his voice when he sees this group of animals.

Read more about Looking into Lucy

Dr. Biology talks with anthropologist Donald Johanson about the bits and pieces of Lucy and the interesting past that arose with her bones.

Subscribe to Paleoanthropologist