StarTalk Radio The Power of Adaptability with Herman Pontzer
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Jul 25, 2025 
Herman Pontzer, a Professor of Evolutionary Anthropology at Duke University and author of 'Burn' and 'Adaptable', joins the conversation. He discusses the incredible adaptability of humans, showcasing it as our evolutionary superpower. The talk delves into human diversity, challenging outdated racial classifications, and the influence of environmental factors on genetics. Pontzer also explores how we've evolved in urban settings, the connection between our past and present lifestyles, and the remarkable journey of human speech evolution that sets us apart from ancient relatives.
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Adaptability as Human Superpower
- Human adaptability is our superpower, allowing us to thrive in diverse environments globally.
- We are generalists, not excelling in one skill but able to survive fairly well in many ways.
No Textbook Average Human
- There is no 'textbook average human' because individual anatomical variations are vast.
- Everyone differs subtly in anatomy, making strict categorization biologically inaccurate.
Race is a Social Construct
- Race is a social construct without clear biological boundaries.
- Genetic diversity shows more differences within so-called racial groups than between them.
