Re: AAT:A method to falsify
Phillip Bigelow (n8010095@gonzo.cc.wwu.edu)
11 Oct 95 20:57:54 GMT
Since I am no biologist (I was trained in geology and paleontology), I won't
second-guess how this test for falsification could be conducted. I'll leave
that to the physiologists. But here is a small (albeit incomplete) synopsis
of how the experiment and computer model could be set up:
1) Using the best-estimates for the masses (published estimates), compile
the masses for a variety of living primates (humans inclusive). Include the
estimates (including high and low extremes) for A. afarensis, the closest
nearly complete hominid to the supposed "aquatic ape".
2) Compile surface area/volume ratios for a statistically-significant sample
(probably around 30 individuals per species) for all of the species in #1
above. Make a best-estimate for A. afarensis.
3) Compile body fat percentages for all species (or estimates there-of) from
#1 above).
4) Compile a range of water temperatures that the AA people think that the
AA existed in. BE GENEROUS in favor of the AA people...we don't want to
slip up with overly-cold water temps. Suggestions would be data from the
Red Sea (which is quite warm) and some equatorial lakes.
5)Using published data on mean body temps., and energy metabolisms of #1
above, plug all the data into a heat-loss computer program (which will
probably have to be written, unless the U.S. Navy has something). Calculate
if a haired ape can exist in thermal equilibrium with ambient water temp.
^^^^^^^^
THEN....
Repeat the calculations, except remove the hair.
Then, using various shaven primates, do real-world experiments.
Do the real-world experiments and the computer model match up closely?
Lastly, however the experiments come out, PUBLISH THE RESULTS.
<pb>
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