MEET the Cairns psychologist who is challenging more than 150 years of evolutionary theory.
James Cook University graduate Henry Gobus has published a book, Human Ascent, questioning the traditional theories of natural selection and Darwinism.
While natural selection states species are products of their environment, Mr Gobus suggests evolution is a far more structured and organised process than we give it credit for, with a distinct purpose and objective.
The reason for this is we cannot properly explain the evolution of human behaviour and intelligence – something other species lack.
According to the traditional theory of evolution, intelligence should expand over time, putting other animals on the same intellectual playing field as humans.
"The facts are right, but our perspective on how we look at evolution and on intelligence and social behaviour is, in fact, completely skewed," Mr Gobus said.
"It has nothing to do with random genetic mutations. In fact, it is a continuous process that is at work.
"So, evolution is a holistic process rather than divided from the dinosaurs, mammals and the human era, which Darwinists see as separate events and not linked together."
Using the saltwater crocodile as an example, Mr Gobus said the predators originated during the age of the dinosaurs, about 240 million years ago.
"With such a significant time period to their credit, and a history in which they must have had innumerable environmental experiences, why haven't crocodiles developed concepts of electronics and the like?
"A common response to that question is that crocodiles are less intelligent because they have smaller brains.
"But the question that needs to be answered is why the crocodile's brain didn't develop with its vast environmental experiences."
For more information visit the Human Ascent website.
