On the Existence of Marine Hominids (Homo Aquatilis)

D.R.McBride MSc. PhD., late of the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute, has written the following, undated, article:

From recorded sightings it seems possible that a species of aquatic hominid has been in existence in the waters of the North Atlantic over a period of many centuries. Such a species has in fact been postulated as an evolutionary link between the anthropoid apes of the Miocene Age and the earliest of human remains, Autralopithicus Africanus. The theory of an aquatic evolutionary stage during the Pliocene Age was first put forward by Professor Sir Alister Hardy in his article “Was man more aquatic in the past?” (New Scientist 7, 1960, pp 642-5), which explains many conditions found in modern man but unknown among primates.
For instance, the vertical posture of man, recognised even in the earliest skeleton remains by the extension of the knee joint, would be facilitated by a ten-million year evolutionary period spent supported in water. It is not suggested that this primitive hominid escaped into the deeps at this time: it is probable that he was an inter-tidal dweller, feeding on crustaceans known to have been in existence at that time, and on other abundant forms of marine life. Searching and groping for these foodstuffs under water would have made an evolutionary necessity of the sensitive and agile human hand. It is also suggested that on a beach, surrounded by pebbles on all sides, man first made use of this primitive tool to break open the shells of the creatures on which he lived.
Other physiological evidence in support of this aquatic theory is to be found in the streamlining of the hair tracts on the human body, seen most clearly on the human foetus while still immersed in the womb. These follow exactly the lines which would be produced by water flowing over the body. Furthermore, as a result of this ten-million year immersion, it is possible to understand the layer of subcutaneous fat which is a feature of man’s ability to retain body heat, but which is found in none of the primates from which he evolved.
Recorded descriptions all seem to suggest just such a creature as the aquatic phase in man’s evolution would have given rise to in historical times. The unfortunate fact remains, however, that no direct evidence has been found to substantiate this theory from the Pliocene Age, possibly due to the fact that the remains of such creatures would have been washed away and devoured at sea; which would also have been true of any more recent inter-tidal marine hominid remains.

The discovery and rescue of a full grown male of this species in the waters off Cape Cod in the northern United States offers proof not only of the aquatic theory in man’s evolution, but also that Homo Aquatilis is not yet extinct.
This specimen, as previously accounts have suggested, was human in form and appearance, although almost entirely covered in thick body hair, brown in colour but with lighter tints. Only the face and the inner surface of arms and legs were entirely free of hair.
Although of less than medium height, 5ft 2ins, he was thickset weighing 133lbs, with well-formed muscles of hip and thigh. The whole body showed evidence of a covering of subcutaneous fat, which may be active in the same way as blubber in the whale and walrus.
Facial characteristics were entirely human, though the features were flattened after the manner of mongoloid peoples. The nose however was firm and of a muscular tissue which could be opened or closed at will. The hands were broad, with short fingers; the feet wide with bones spread but with a webbing of skin between each toe. While the legs were long in proportion to the body they were rotated slightly outward and the feet were splayed apart. This made movement on land appear awkward but was a great asset when swimming: the motion being similar to that of butterfly stroke. Since in the water this meant both legs were kept close together it is easy to see why earlier observers often believed that they had seen a creature with a tail, similar to that of a fish or seal.
Like other aquatic mammals the subject must have been capable of diving to considerable depths since the rib cage, though strong, had an elasticity which would be capable of protecting the lungs under heavy pressure. He was able to adjust his metabolism in order to survive submerged for long periods of time: the physiological mechanism of bradycardia, the slowing of the heartbeat, was noted when diving, and to a much more marked extent than is evident in land-dwelling man.
As this species spends long periods of time immersed in the sea there is little need for perspiration as a method of cooling, so fluid intake need be only a fraction of that of land mammals. When on land, however, the subject found hot weather particularly uncomfortable and needed frequent dousing with water in order to maintain body temperature adequately. Fluid requirements were for the most part met by moisture in food, although it is interesting to note that, like the merman of Orford [see 16 July 2007] he was careful to wipe away any trace of salt water from fish. There would appear to be adaptations to the function of the kidney which reduce the filtration rate to very low levels when necessary.
Diet was entirely carnivorous, marine life only being preferred. While in captivity the subject was never known to accept red meat in any form, nor any vegetable foods. He was uninterested in cooked foods, though obviously able to distinguish what they were. Teeth were small and flat, best used in chewing and grinding, with no pointed canines for tearing food, so that it was reasonable to assume that this species subsists entirely on small animal prey. The sense of smell was well developed, though not as acute as that of a dog; vision was adequate, though less than accurate at distance (Sph -075, Cyl -025, Axis 90, both R & L). Such hearing tests as were carried out by a method of limits showed an extremely sensitive auditory system, which may in fact exceed that of Homo Sapiens.
With only a single subject for study it was not possible to make any observation of social habits, though the general impression was of a gentle and entirely non-aggressive individual. This was also borne out by the lack of any of the attributes of the hunter, such as canine teeth, acute sense of smell, long-sightedness etc. The species is evidently not nocturnal; like the Orford merman the subject slept by night and was only active during the day.
Possibly as a result of captivity this specimen was very subdued in his behaviour patterns, though obviously stimulated by a return to the sea. He wept easily, uttering sad sounds which may have followed definite patterns. This aspect of the research is still underway.
Although eager to learn, nevertheless the specimen under observation seemed unfamiliar with any kind of artefact, though he readily understood the uses of a pan or bowl for carrying or storing. If, as is postulated, this was a direct descendant of the marine phase in man’s evolution, his development has been non-aggressive, and he has adapted most successfully to his environment, in the manner of the Eskimo, the Australian Aborigine or the Bushman. Such a species has little need of technical progress since he has accepted the limitations of his natural habitat and has grown within those limitations to the fullest extent of his powers.
If it were possible to observe such a species in large numbers it might then be conceivable for land-dwelling man also to learn this all-important technique; for in the twentieth century it is becoming increasingly evident that the progress path we have chosen is more destructive of our environment than we were able to foresee.