The 'Who is Lucy' Google Doodle angered a lot of creationists
Some users even threatened to boycott Google over the Doodle
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Yesterday, Google used one of its signature Doodles to commemorate the 41st anniversary of the discovery of 'Lucy', the name given to a collection of fossilised bones that once made up the skeleton of a female Australopithecus afaraensis, who lived in Ethiopia around 3.2 million years ago.
The discovery of Lucy's bones was hugely significant to our understanding of human evolution - her skeleton shows she walked upright, suggesting that man could have split from ape ancestors much earlier than previously thought.
What's more, the species that Lucy belonged to was practically unknown before her discovery. Through studying her bones, scientists were able to understand more about how animals have evolved throughout time.
It was a significant moment for our understanding of evolution, but many creationists weren't happy about Google promoting the theory of evolution on their homepage.
Lots of people were disappointed in Google:
Others responded with anger.
Others thought that Google was implying they were monkeys, and got offended.
And of course, the Westboro Baptist Church got involved.
Of course, there we just as many people defending Google's decision.
Never before has a Google Doodle prompted so much drama.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments