Rui Diogo Knihy

This book presents a fresh perspective on evolution by integrating evidence from various scientific fields. The author introduces a unifying theory called ONCE, which stands for Organic Nonoptimal Constrained Evolution. He posits that evolution is primarily influenced by the behavioral choices and persistence of organisms, with Darwinian natural selection serving as a secondary, yet significant, factor. Within the ONCE framework, evolution is characterized by mistakes, mismatches, and trial-and-error rather than a relentless struggle for optimal adaptation to environments. This approach highlights the complexity and diversity of life, asserting that organisms are not merely passive entities shaped by external forces. The argument is supported by intriguing case studies spanning a wide array of organisms, including bacteria, plants, insects, and examples from human evolution. The book appeals to researchers, students, teachers, and anyone interested in the history and philosophy of science, as well as the general public. It revitalizes the study of biology by underscoring the active role of organisms, including humans, in shaping evolution and the future of life on Earth.

The book explores the idolization of Darwin, particularly by Western scholars, revealing how many of his evolutionary claims about human evolution are rooted in Victorian biases, including racism and sexism. Diogo highlights the contrast between Darwin's insightful ideas on non-human organisms and his flawed perceptions of women and non-Europeans, which fueled societal hierarchies. Through case studies, the author critiques the simplistic defense of Darwin's biases and aims to present a nuanced view of his contributions to science, urging a critical examination of historical prejudices to prevent their recurrence.

Chimpanzees, including bonobos and common chimpanzees, are our closest living relatives, yet information on the soft tissues of bonobos is scarce, complicating discussions of human evolution. This atlas serves as the first photographic and descriptive resource on the musculoskeletal anatomy of bonobos (Pan paniscus), following the format of previous ape atlases by the same authors. It is part of a series aimed at exploring the comparative and phylogenetic contexts of soft tissue morphology in modern humans and their relatives. The atlas features high-quality photographs of musculoskeletal structures from various anatomical regions, along with textual information on muscle attachments, innervation, function, and weight. It is based on dissections of seven bonobos—adults, adolescents, infants, and fetuses, both male and female—and includes a comprehensive literature review for comparisons with common chimpanzees. This work updates our understanding of anatomical variations within chimpanzees and provides an extensive list of synonyms for the structures discussed. Additionally, it offers insights into neurovascular structures like the brachial and lumbrosacral plexuses, making it valuable for students, educators, and researchers in fields such as primatology, comparative anatomy, zoology, and physical anthropology, as well as medical professionals interested in the evolution and variations of musculoskeletal and neurovascular sys