By Jim Newell
Review Staff Writer
In the vast scheme of evolutionary history many people know that mankind is only a blip in the evolutionary chain.
But how many people know that all humans share a 99.9 percent genetic similarity? Or that man shares a 98.8 percent genetic similarity to chimpanzees? And a 60 percent genetic similarity to banana trees?
And if measured in duration of existence, humans rank far behind at least three of our pre-human ancestors.
The traveling Smithsonian exhibit “Exploring Human Origins: What Does It Mean to Be Human?” at the Orion Township Public Library explores these and other facets and facts of human and pre-human history.
And while people differ in their belief of the origin of the human species, the library hopes the exhibit fosters a dialogue and examination of evolutionary theory.
“The topic of human evolution can be controversial, and we are proud that Orion Township Public Library can help encourage a constructive, informative discussion on the subject,” said Karen Knox, library director.
“We encourage people of all beliefs to explore the exhibition, as it delves into human origins in a way that is understandable, fulfilling, captivating and relevant,” she said.
Through interactive kiosks, hands-on displays, videos, sculptures and models, the exhibit explores milestones in the journey to become human – from walking upright, creating technology, brain enlargement, and the development of language and complex socities.
The exhibit opened July 30 and many in the community have shown an interest and appreciation for the exhibit.
“It’s been very busy. I’ve seen a lot of action out there of all ages,” said Becky Bolin, community relations specialist for the library. “We’re one of only 19 libraries (in the country) that the exhibit will visit. And we are the only one in Michigan.”
The Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the American Library Association collaborated to organize the exhibit, with a grant from the John Templeton Foundation and support of the Peter Buck Human Origins Fund.
For more details, visit the Orion Township Public Library at 825 Joslyn Rd., online at orionlibrary.org or call 248-693-3000.
The traveling exhibit is on display now until Aug. 22.

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Other events at the library:

· A book discussion on “Summer for the God: The Scopes Trial and America’s Continuing Debate Over Science and Religion” by Edward Larson, Monday, Aug. 15, 7 p.m.
· A book discussion on “Your Inner Fish,” by Neil Schubin, Aug. 22, 7 p.m.
· What is Archaeology? Oakland University Professor Mike Pytlik, who leads OU students on annual archaeological digs in Israel, presents slides and artifacts from those excavations. Aug. 17, 7 p.m.
· Human Origins Dinosaur Exhibit for grades K-5, Aug. 17, 2 p.m.
RSVP for events online at orionlibrary.org, or by calling (248) 693-3000. All events are free and open to the public.