What The Duck?!

Butts. What are they good for?

October 9, 2026·26 min
Episode Description from the Publisher

Two million years ago, our ancestors had tiny ape-like butts. Then something strange happened.. our butts grew bigger. Butt, why?It turns out humans aren’t the only primates whose butt took a bizarre evolutionary turn.These peaches have a lot to answer for.Featuring:Professor Daniel Lieberman, Harvard University, US.Professor Jo Setchell, Durham University, UK. Dr Peter Bishop, Harvard University, US.Lauren Thornton, University of Sunshine Coast.Production:Ann Jones, Presenter / Producer.Petria Ladgrove, Producer.Additional mastering: Russell Stapleton.This episode of What the Duck was produced on the land of the Wadawarrung people. Find more episodes of the ABC podcast, What the Duck?! with the always curious Dr Ann Jones exploring the mysteries of nature on ABC Listen (Australia) or wherever you get your podcasts. You'll learn more about the weird and unusual aspects of our natural world in a quirky, fun way with easy to understand science.

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