Abstracts » Education

Why men rape

Article Abstract:

Scientists Randy Thornhill and Craig T. Palmer's book has led to much debate on the reasons for rape. In their book' A Natural History of Rape: The Biological Bases of Sexual Coercion' they put forward the view rape was an act of sex. Thornhill and Palmer suggested women could try to avoid rape by wearing less revealing clothes. Some observers have criticised their work by pointing out rape is a violent act which degrades women. Although many women who are raped are young, some 22% are children. There are concerns rapists may try to use the research to defend their behaviour in court.

Criticism and interpretation, Scientists, A Natural History of Rape: The Biological Bases of Sexual Coercion (Book), Palmer, Craig T., Thornhill, Randy

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The ins and outs of our ancestors

Article Abstract:

Anthropologists are arguing about the origin of the human species, with some supporting the notion that Homo sapiens were descended from Homo erectus whilst others assert that Homo Sapiens are not directly linked to Neanderthals. Palaeontologist Chris Stringer maintains that Homo sapiens were a new race emerging 200,000 years ago from Africa. Some parties involved in the disagreements have been accused of being racist. Population Geneticist Rosalind Harding has found gene samples of around 200,000 years old from Asia.

Evolution (Biology), Origin of species, Neanderthals, Neanderthal man, Paleontologists, Stringer, Chris

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In everyman's footsteps

Article Abstract:

The team of scientists from the Human Genome Project have completed their first draft of the human genome and discovered that 99.9% of humans, regardless of race, are the same in genetic terms. Geneticist Luca Cavalli-Sforza believes it to be important to explore the genetic differences of people, but has been accused of bigotry.

Practice, Human Genome Project, Ethnology, Cavalli-Sforza, Luca

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