Toronto Star

We also have a new species

-

Re Welcome to the family, Starman, Sept. 11 The discovery of remains of a hitherto unknown human-like species in a South African cave is suddenly top news. It shares headlines with the tragic refugee crisis unfolding along highways and byways in Europe, and the dramatic election campaign unfolding along highways and byways in Canada.

Researcher­s estimate the newly found specimens may date back as far as three million years; noting the modern-looking teeth, human-like feet, and a small braincase, scientists have named them “Homo naledi.”

Many millennia after we have left this little blue planet, chances are researcher­s will dig up and document some of our remains, too. Chances are they will find a specimen in Canada with very similar characteri­stics to the South African discovery, regarding the teeth, feet and braincase.

However, they will also find that the remains had a nose that grew considerab­ly longer while making promises during election campaigns. They will name their new find “Homo Harpernocc­hio.”

Further discoverie­s will also likely be made of many more specimens with this peculiar nose dysfunctio­n, and with coloured bones. These bones will be either blue, red, orange or green, and will be designated as a related sub-species called “Homo Politician­us.” Bernie Smith, Parksville, B.C. There is such a difference between Asian, African and European facial features it’s difficult to believe we are all descended from the same ancient ancestors.

As for Homo naledi, Starman, he reminds me of Donald Trump with better looking hair. William Bedford, Newmarket

Newspapers in English

Newspapers from Canada