Another academic proponent of a 'more aquatic' past in human evolution, that is less well known than some, is Derek Ellis, a Canadian biologist. Ellis is professor Emeritus at the University of Victoria, in British Columbia. He's a marine ecologist with a strong interest in animal behavior, especially that of species living in marine wetlands.
Dr. Ellis's academic research has emphasized marine ecology, especially intertidal ecology, and animal behaviour including some primate studies in zoos and in the wild.
Ellis has promoted what might be termed a 'moderate' variety of the AAH: One which suggested that wetland habitats might have been sufficient to begin an evolutionary trajectory from ape-like towards more human-like forms.
His last paper on the subject, 'Human Ancestors in Wetland Ecosystems', published in the journal ReVision, outlined his view very succinctly. It argued that the so-called 'aquatic ape hypothesis' had been incorrectly dismissed and that the earlier view that primates cannot swim was wrong. As a scientist, Ellis urged that this hypothesis of human evolution be tested, like any other.
Selected Readings
Ellis, Derek V (1986). Proboscis monkey and aquatic ape. Sarawak Mus J 36 :251-262.
Ellis, Derek V (1987). Swimming monkeys and apes - know their biology. Proceedings Western Regional Meeting, AAZPA Apr 5-8, Fresno CA.
Ellis, Derek V (1991). Is an Aquatic Ape Viable in Terms of Marine Ecology and Primate Behaviour?. In: Roede, Machteld; Wind, Jan; Patrick, John; Reynolds, Vernon (eds.), (1991). Aquatic Ape: Fact of Fiction: Proceedings from the Valkenburg Conference. Souvenir Press (London).
Ellis, Derek V (1993). Wetlands or Aquatic Ape? Availability of food resources. Nutrition and Health 9 :205-217.
Ellis, Derek V (1995). Human Ancestors in Wetland Ecosystems. ReVision 18(2) : 8-12
Algis Kuliukas
September 2006