Inevitable humans: Simon Conway Morris's evolutionary paleontology - review

Abstract

Simon Conway Morris, noted Cambridge University paleontologist, argues that in evolutionary natural history humans (or beings rather like humans) are an inevitable outcome of the developing speciating processes over millennia. This claim, in marked contrast to claims about contingency made by other prominent paleontologists, is based on numerous remarkable convergences--similar trends found repeatedly in evolutionary history. Conway Morris concludes facing a natural theology. His argument is powerful and informed. But does it face adequately the surprising events that redirect the course of life? The challenge to understand how humans are both "on a continuum" with other species and also "utterly different" remains a central puzzle in paleontology.