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A Revelation on Our Evolution, ORIGIN OF US Premieres May 12 on Discovery World HD
(April 18, 2012)
– New three-part series explores the anatomical changes that have allowed for humans to survive the over six-million year evolutionary journey –
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Toronto, ON (April 18, 2012) – Humans have dominated the planet, uncovered the secrets of the atom, and travelled to the moon – but how did our species become so successful? ORIGINS OF US uncovers the anatomical changes that have given humans – and our ancestors – an edge to survive. Beginning Saturday, May 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT on Discovery World HD, this three-part series explores how the way we walk, the shape of our jaw, and even the way our thumbs move, connects us to the struggles and triumphs of our ancestors. Yet, as host Alice Roberts (DIGGING FOR BRITAIN) reveals, many of these evolutionary changes have come at a cost.
Highlights from ORIGINS OF US include:
ORIGINS OF US – “Bones”
Saturday, May 12 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
The human skeleton is where our evolution began, with arguably the most fundamental adaptation – standing upright. Roberts charts the massive advantages this skeletal change brought us – from hunting, to tool use, to increased penis size – and the staggering anatomical toll it’s taken. This research offers insights into the way we live today: What running shoes should we be wearing? Why do we have hair under our arms? And is back pain an inevitable consequence of simply standing up?
ORIGINS OF US – “Guts”
Saturday, May 19 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Food is everything when it comes to survival, yet the human stomach is less than a third of the size expected for a typical mammal of our weight. The reason for this is reflected in the revolution in gender roles. From an emphasis on “man the hunter” and meat as the driving force in human evolution, scientists now think it’s women and cooking vegetables that enabled the greatest evolutionary leap – our large brain. This episode offers suggestions on what diet is perfectly designed for the human body; whether we really are wired to be monogamous; and whether men really take more risks than women.
ORIGINS OF US – “Brains”
Saturday, May 26 at 9 p.m. ET/PT
Three times larger than expected, surely the human brain explains our domination of the planet. From banging stones and grunting to space travel and Proust – how and why did it evolve? Understanding what shaped our brain’s evolution gives a unique insight into our behaviour today – from social class to teenage tantrums. But is the human brain really the key to understanding our species unique place on the planet? Is it intelligence that led to our success over Neanderthals and others? New research suggests it might in fact be something far more basic.
About Discovery World HD
Escape to the extraordinary. With original content not found anywhere else, Discovery World HD is home to breathtaking landscapes, fascinating people and incredible stories from around the world. Offering an unparalleled sensory experience that explores life’s most amazing journeys, Discovery World HD presents high quality documentaries and immersive series that capture the biggest and boldest high-definition viewing experience. With awe-inspiring imagery and expansive detail, Discovery World HD reveals the wonders of the world – past and present – with themes ranging from culture, science and natural history to travel and lifestyle. A Canadian leader in high-definition programming – and featuring a fully-unique primetime schedule – Discovery World HD launched in 2010 and brings audiences even closer to their world. Discovery World HD is a division of Bell Media, which is owned by BCE Inc. (TSX, NYSE: BCE), Canada’s largest communications company. Discover more at DiscoveryWorldHD.ca.
-DISCOVERY WORLD HD-
SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS:
Discovery World HD on Twitter: http://twitter.com/DiscoveryHDCa
Dr. Alice Roberts on Twitter: http://twitter.com//draliceroberts
For more information:
Julie MacFarlane, Discovery World HD, 416.384.5166 or julie.macfarlane@bellmedia.ca
Jodi Cook, Discovery World HD, 416.384.4603 or jodi.cook@bellmedia.ca
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