Humans may have more in common with animals than they think-and Simon Conway Morris wants to explain why.
Students, faculty and visitors gathered in Love Auditorium in the Levine Science Research Center Wednesday night to hear Morris, professor of earth sciences at the University of Cambridge, offer his views on these related questions.
In the fourth installment of the Provost's Lecture Series "Science, Religion and Evolution," Morris discussed the theory of convergence, which states that species eventually evolve to attain the same characteristics.
Morris asserted that historical events, such as dramatic climate change, alone do not account for the evolution of species.
For instance, Morris said, many believe a meteoroid led to the extinction of the dinosaurs, and if it had not, humans would not exist today.
"Although this is true, I believe it is completely trivial," he noted.
Morris said scientists have approached the topic of evolution with too much focus on the past.
"I think the existing explanation is ludicrous," he said. "We have barely scratched the surface."
Among other topics, Morris discussed the different cognitive senses used by animals to form neurological images to demonstrate similarities in how species change over time.
Earthworms use their visual senses, moles appear to utilize their noses as an eye, elephant fish detect their surroundings using electrical currents and dolphins rely on echoes, Morris said.
He drew upon these examples and others to demonstrate that animals all use senses to adapt to their surroundings.
"What is referred to as seeing is actually a process of interpretation of sensual data," Morris said.
Although evolution causes species to see differently, each develops a similar technique to process its surroundings, Morris added.
He compared the cognitive abilities of crows to those of humans.
"I think they are the most fascinating animals," he said. "It is crucial to recognize their cognitive levels."
Crows have the same ability as humans to utilize resources to create different homes for different purposes, he said.
Another striking similarity between humans and crows is their brain structure, Morris said.
"The convergence is almost precise," he added. "You could almost say we have a crow-like intelligence instead of crows having a human-like intelligence."
Morris explained that the theory of convergence may even provide a basis for claims of existence of extra-terrestrial life.
Some audience members voiced concerns about seeming inconsistencies in Morris' theory.
One audience member asked about the evolution of non-vertebrates, which Morris had not mentioned in his presentation.
Others, however, said they were inspired by Morris' views.
"I thought that was amazing," sophomore Margaret Morales said. "It was mind-broadening for me. I feel like I need to go and read more about this topic."
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