The British Humanist Association (BHA) has today welcomed the unveiling of a primate fossil, called Ida, which will help scientists to understand even better the earlier stages of our evolution.
Naomi Phillips, BHA Public Affairs Officer, commented, ‘In the year that we celebrate the 200th anniversary of Darwin’s birth and 150 years since the publication of On the Origin of Species, what could be more fitting than a discovery of a fossil that has been described as the “eighth wonder of the world”? Ida is potentially an extremely important addition to the fossil record and to scientific understanding of exactly how we are related to other mammals.’
Ms Phillips continued, ‘Darwin 200 has already been an important year for humanists, with a number of events being held around the country to talk about and celebrate the life, work and legacy of Charles Darwin, who is undoubtedly one of the greatest and most influential thinkers who ever lived and one of Britain’s greatest scientists. We have held well-attended lectures with prominent speakers including Professor Sir David King, BHA Vice President Professor Richard Dawkins, the eminent philosopher Dan Dennett and BHA Distinguished Supporter Kenan Malik, and over 80 MPs have signed an Early Day Motion, in support of the campaign to make Darwin’s birthday a national holiday.’
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Read more about Darwin 200.
The British Humanist Association (BHA) is the national charity representing the interests of the large and growing population of ethically concerned non-religious people living in the UK. It exists to support and represent such people, who seek to live good lives without religious or superstitious beliefs.