Ancient Diving Theory Linked to Human Endurance Traits
Researchers propose that early human ancestors developed stamina through shallow-water foraging habits millions of years ago.
Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Running
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Should scientists give more weight to aquatic foraging theories when studying the origins of human endurance?
On September 17, 2026, researchers Josephine Joordens and Erika Schagatay published the 'dive-first-run-later' hypothesis in the journal PaleoAnthropology. The theory suggests that early Homo species adapted to endurance running by first developing cardiovascular capacity through repeated shallow-water diving between 2 million and 3 million years ago.
Why it matters
This hypothesis offers a new evolutionary framework to explain the origins of human respiratory and cardiovascular stamina. By proposing that aquatic foraging pressure shaped these traits, researchers suggest that endurance capacity may have been honed long before humans became habitual land-based runners.
The researchers combined fossil evidence with observations of modern sea foraging populations, such as the Sama-Bajau, to support their claims. The study proposes that shallow-water activities, which modern foragers perform for 4 to 6 hours daily, served as the evolutionary pressure for larger spleens and enhanced cardiorespiratory function.
The players
Josephine Joordens
A researcher based in Leipzig, Germany, who co-authored the dive-first-run-later hypothesis.
Erika Schagatay
A researcher based in Östersund, Sweden, specializing in human physiology and diving adaptations.
The details
The hypothesis posits that repeated dives necessitated physiological changes, such as increased spleen size, to boost oxygen-carrying capacity. Researchers argue these adaptations provided a foundation for the stamina required in later endurance running. Critics, however, point out that diving typically triggers a heart rate decrease, which contrasts with the high heart rate demands of sustained running, and suggest that heavy bone development in fossils may stem from general labor rather than buoyancy requirements.
Timeline
2 million to 3 million years ago: Early Homo species allegedly engaged in repeated shallow-water diving.
1960: The aquatic ape or waterside hypothesis was first introduced.
September 17, 2026: Joordens and Schagatay published the dive-first-run-later hypothesis.
Health Landscape
This research builds upon the 1960 aquatic ape or waterside hypothesis by shifting the focus toward specific cardiorespiratory adaptations. It represents an ongoing effort in paleoanthropology to map how prehistoric environmental pressures shaped the physiological limits of modern human endurance.
While this study focuses on evolutionary origins, it highlights the body's remarkable capacity to adapt its cardiovascular system to physical demands. Understanding these historical traits can be a useful perspective when discussing your own exercise tolerance and cardiovascular health with your doctor.
The takeaway
The hypothesis links human stamina to prehistoric aquatic foraging, framing endurance as an ancient adaptation rather than a modern invention. When considering your own endurance training goals, focus on tracking your cardiovascular recovery times as a primary metric of progress.
Further reading
Explore the biological foundations of human movement in our Running archive.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Science News.
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Should scientists give more weight to aquatic foraging theories when studying the origins of human endurance?
