The Human-Chimp Split: A Closer Look at the Fossil Record February 12, 2010

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Complete video at: http://fora.tv/2010/01/12/Todd_Disotell_A_New_Tale_of_the_Primate_Split

Todd Disotell, a professor of anthropology at NYU, examines the human-chimp split in relation to bipedal fossils that date back to the time period during which many scientists believe the evolutionary leap occurred.

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Recent advances in molecular genetics are radically changing ideas about the appearance of primates and the subsequent branching off of the major lineages. Previously, it was thought primates first appeared some 65 million years ago; now experts are proposing dates as far back as 80-90 million years ago, when dinosaurs roamed the Earth.

The hazy image of our lineage provided by the fossil record is now coming into focus thanks to new molecular analytical techniques; researchers now have whole genome sequences representing at least one member of each major lineages and whole mitochondrial lineages of nearly every genus in the order Primates. - California Academy of Sciences

Dr. Todd Disotell is a professor of anthropology at New York University. His research interests are centered upon the theme of primate and human evolution, at all levels from the populational to the supra-ordinal. Those interests encompass primate evolution, molecular evolution, mammalian evolution, molecular systematics, phylogenetic analysis, population genetics, phylogeography, computer modeling, human evolution, human variation, and the history of anthropology. Dr. Disotell received his Ph.D. and Masters degrees from Harvard University, and his Bachelor's degree from Cornell University.