Paleoanthropologist to speak at Scopes Trial Symposium

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What says “Scopes Trial” better than a hominin fossil? And what makes a fossil a human or human relative? Lawyers spent much of eight days in 1925 arguing about human origins, but they didn’t have the insights we do today.

On July 17, as part of Evolving Conflict: Scopes at 100, paleoanthropologist Dr. John Hawks will give an overview of today’s understanding of fossil evidence of human origins and discuss some of the sites, fossils and methods by which scientists test ideas about humans and our ancient relatives.

Hawks is Vilas-Borghesi Distinguished Achievement Professor of Anthropology at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. For the past decade he has conducted research in South Africa, where his team discovered Homo naledi in 2013. His research is not limited to the past; he writes about the science of human origins, and how our ancient past can help make sense of today's world.

Evolving Conflict: Scopes at 100 is presented by Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation as part of the Scopes Centennial celebration on July 16 and 17 at the historic Rhea County Courthouse. More information and tickets are available at www.scopes100.com/events.

Originally posted by Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation via Locable