The Family That Walks on All Fours

This unusual episode of NOVA draws on evolution, anthropology, and sociology to present a unique portrait of five adult siblings, living with their parents in rural Turkey, who walk with the palms of their hands on the ground. The cause of this phenomenon has sparked an intense scientific debate, which is thoroughly explored here: from the headline-making "genetic throwback" theory proposed by Turkish scientist Uter Tan (who discovered the quadripedal siblings) and German scientist Stephan Mundlos' search for a genetic mutation that could explain why early humans first stood upright, to the more pragmatic opinions of biologists and anthropologists who stress that viewing these family members as a kind of "missing link" in human evolution is both socially insulting and scientifically incorrect. In addition, the program explores the human capacity for cruelty when encountering those who appear "different" (it's saddening to see how the siblings are considered disabled and ostracized in their own community, but then accepted after they undergo physical therapy to begin walking upright). In the final analysis, it appears that environment and upbringing played a major role in the "four-legged" habit of walking, but this somewhat anticlimactic revelation doesn't stop this program from being both a revealing study of science under scrutiny and an interesting meditation on our definitions of disability. DVD extras include printable materials for educators. Recommended. Aud: H, C, P. (J. Shannon)