The Pit of Bones

There are only five kinds of great apes alive today. Chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos, orangutans, and us. Among the non-human apes, orangutans are unique. Orangutans live only in Asia - in the forests of Sumatra and Borneo. They’re intelligent, solitary animals that feed mostly on fruit. There is a lot we can learn from them - but it’s not an easy job.Further learningCheryl Knott's orangutan researchErin Vogel's orangutan research Lunch Break Science episode on how orangutans learnOrigin Stories podcast with Biruté Mary GaldikasAbout The Leakey FoundationThe Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org.Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human OriginsIn 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research.Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books.Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com.Show Credits:Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. 

One of the enduring mysteries in human evolution is the question of how and when humans evolved our unusually large brains. Another mystery is how and why we started moving around on two legs. This episode of Discovering Us explores both of these questions by exploring the human ability to run over long distances.Further readingAbout The Leakey FoundationThe Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org.Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human OriginsIn 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research.Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books.Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com.Show Credits:Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.

In this episode, Ashley Judd tells the story of a startling discovery on the island of Flores. Deep inside a remote, limestone cave with a high, arched ceiling, researchers uncovered fossils of an ancient human species unlike any other. This discovery added a new member to the human family tree and shook up our understanding of human evolution.Further reading:Homo floresiensis - SmithsonianMaking sense of the small-bodied fossils from FloresAbout The Leakey FoundationThe Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org.Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human OriginsIn 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research.Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books.Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com.Show Credits:Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. 

It takes a special kind of detective work to figure out the story of how we became human. This episode takes us to a unique fossil site in Spain where scientists go back through time - finding clues in a rich fossil record that stretches over hundreds and thousands of years. They are uncovering a story with twists and turns that are more dramatic and mysterious than an Agatha Christie novel.Further reading (and listening)Origin Stories: Detective of the DeadAtapuerca, UNESCO World Heritage SiteAbout The Leakey FoundationThe Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org.Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human OriginsIn 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research.Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books.Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com.Show Credits:Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. 

In this episode, Ashley Judd tells the story of the discovery of a fascinating fossil of a female that lived 4.4-million-years ago. This unexpected find opened up a new window into the very early evolution of the human species.Further readingArdipithecus ramidus - SmithsonianArdipithecus ramidus - Science About The Leakey FoundationThe Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org.Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human OriginsIn 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research.Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books.Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com.Show Credits:Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. 

There are some mysteries about human evolution that can’t be answered by looking at fossils or our closest living primate relatives. In this episode, you’ll learn how scientists used genetic research to explain how humans came to be the only mammals who continue to drink milk - even after we’re grown.Further readingMilk tolerance evolved more than onceAbout The Leakey FoundationThe Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org.Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human OriginsIn 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research.Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books.Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com.Show Credits:Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. 

In this episode of Discovering Us, Ashley Judd takes you to Ice Age Europe, where a stunning discovery paints a picture of how early humans survived in a harsh and highly competitive landscape.  About The Leakey FoundationThe Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org.Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human OriginsIn 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research.Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books.Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com.Show Credits:Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. 

One thing that’s special about humans is the way we express ourselves through art and music. Ancient humans were no different. The art they left on cave walls and carved in stone lives on. It gives us a profound connection to our ancestors and their creative, complex lives. In this episode, Ashley Judd explores some of the earliest art ever discovered.Further reading:The Lion Man: An Ice Age MasterpieceAbout The Leakey FoundationThe Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org.Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human OriginsIn 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research.Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books.Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com.Show Credits:Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. 

Neanderthals lived from around 400,000 years ago to around 40,000 years ago. Scientists are still working to understand how and why Neanderthals went extinct. This episode takes you to the island of Gibraltar–where researchers think the very last surviving population of Neanderthals lived and died.Further reading (and listening):Gorham's Cave - UNESCO World Heritage SiteOrigin Stories: NeanderthalsOrigin Stories: Understanding NeanderthalsAbout The Leakey FoundationThe Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org.Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human OriginsIn 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research.Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books.Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com.Show Credits:Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund. 

Why are humans such social creatures? In this episode, Ashley Judd explores the origins of social behavior by taking you inside the minds of a troop of baboons living in Botswana’s Okovango Delta.Further reading (and listening)Baboon Metaphysics: The Evolution of a Social MindOrigin Stories - Being a Nice Animal -podcast episodeLunch Break ScienceAbout The Leakey FoundationThe Leakey Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to funding human origins research and sharing discoveries. The Foundation was established in 1968 to fund work at the forefront of fossil and primate studies and provide opportunities for a global community of scientists. Learn more at leakeyfoundation.org.Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human OriginsIn 50 lively and up-to-the-minute essays illustrated with full-color photographs, Discovering Us: 50 Great Discoveries in Human Origins presents stories of the most exciting and groundbreaking surprises revealed by human origins research.Prepared in consultation with leading experts and written by Evan Hadingham, senior science editor for NOVA, Discovering Us features stunning photographs, some taken at the actual moment that groundbreaking discoveries were made. The book presents a highly accessible account of the latest scientific insights into the ultimate question of humanity’s origins. Discovering Us was published by Signature Books.Find Discovering Us at your local library, bookstore, or amazon.com.Show Credits:Narrated by Ashley JuddHosted by Meredith JohnsonWritten by Evan HadinghamScript edits by Sharal Camisa Smith and Meredith JohnsonRecorded and mixed by Dave Hagen, Dark Horse RecordingHost recording by Kerry FogartyTrailer produced by Ray PangCover art by Élisabeth DaynesCover design by Jason Francis, Signature BooksMusic “Ode to Seven” by Our Many Stars licensed from Marmoset MusicDiscovering Us was made possible by generous support from Camilla and George Smith, the Ann and Gordon Getty Foundation, and the Joan and Arnold Travis Education Fund.