Here is another example of scientific controversy. Though not as heated and widespread as stem cell research debates, this particular dispute illustrates our fervent desire to learn about the early history of human beings and the great significance we put on the study of paleoanthropology in teaching us. A few months ago, a curator from San Francisco analyzed a few scarred animal bones and claimed they were evidence of human butchering at a time much earlier than was the general scientific consensus.
The lead is fantastic: David Perlman writes, “A controversy is brewing over a few scarred animal bones millions of years old that a[n]…anthropologist claims could change everything we think we know about when our ancient forebears first used tools on the long road toward becoming human.” Of course, his claims end up being not so ground-breaking, but this first sentence undoubtedly grabs the reader, encouraging them to read on and find out more about their very own beginnings. Perlman also does well in establishing the conflict (other side believes the scars are not from human tools but rather from such things as animal trampling), giving each side their due with appropriately lengthened explanations and a fair number of quotations. He does well in keeping himself out of the controversy, and letting the scientists fight for themselves and explain to the reader their stance.
No comments:
Post a Comment