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The Conversation
The Conversation
Kevin Omland, Professor of Biological Sciences, University of Maryland, Baltimore County

No animal alive today is ‘primitive’ – why are so many still labeled that way?

Moment
A platypus has evolved to fit its particular ecological niche. Joao Inacio/Moment via Getty Images

We humans have long viewed ourselves as the pinnacle of evolution. People label other species as “primitive” or “ancient” and use terms like “higher” and “lower” animals.

A drawing of a tree shape with monera and amoebae at the base of the trunk, many branches labeled with other organisms, and man at the very top
‘Man’ is at the very top looking down at all other forms of life in Ernst Haeckel’s drawing. Ernst Haeckel/Photos.com via Getty Images Plus
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