Changes

== History ==

== History ==

Universal common ancestry is an ancient idea.  Many ancient [[pagan]]s held that humans were related to animals.  [[Anaxagoras]], for instance, argued that humans are related to fish, but became humans because the water became too crowded, and the fish kicked humans out of the water.  Many ancient American Indian cultures also believed humans were descended from animals, and some commomorated these beliefs through [[total pole]]s.<ref>http://www.hud.gov/local/shared/working/r10/nwonap/totems.pdf</ref>

Universal common ancestry is an ancient idea.  Many ancient [[pagan]]s held that humans were related to animals.  [[Anaxagoras]], for instance, argued that humans are related to fish, but became humans because the water became too crowded, and the fish kicked humans out of the water.  Many ancient American Indian cultures also believed humans were descended from animals, and some commomorated these beliefs through [[totem pole]]s.<ref>http://www.hud.gov/local/shared/working/r10/nwonap/totems.pdf</ref>

More recently, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the idea of universal common ancestry regained popularity in [[Europe]].  In 1745, French mathematician and scientist Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis (1698-1759) wrote in his book ''Venus Physique'':

More recently, in the 18th and 19th centuries, the idea of universal common ancestry regained popularity in [[Europe]].  In 1745, French mathematician and scientist Pierre-Louis Moreau de Maupertuis (1698-1759) wrote in his book ''Venus Physique'':