"For the source of any characteristic so widespread and uniform as this adaptation to environment we must go back to the very beginning of the human race"

In this quote, Ellsworth Huntington, a prominent geographer and ecological determinist, presumes the idea that to understand widespread and consistent characteristics across human populations, particularly those associated to adjustment to environment, we must explore the origins of humankind. Huntington's perspective is rooted in the belief that the environment plays an important role in shaping human societies, cultures, and behaviors over time.

When he referrals "the source of any particular so widespread and uniform", Huntington is most likely discussing qualities or habits that appear consistently throughout diverse human groups. Such qualities might include physiological adjustments, like skin coloring, which differs according to geographic latitude and direct exposure to sunlight. Similarly, cultural practices and social structures might likewise establish as adaptive reactions to environmental conditions, which can result in widespread resemblances in how various societies resolve comparable difficulties.

The phrase "we should go back to the very beginning of the human race" suggests that Huntington sees these characteristics as having deep evolutionary roots. This suggests that our early forefathers, facing differing ecological pressures, established particular characteristics that were helpful for survival. Over centuries, as human beings distributed around the world, these qualities ended up being widespread due to the shared evolutionary pressures dealt with by early human communities.

Huntington's perspective lines up with the more comprehensive theory of ecological determinism, which posits that the physical environment, consisting of climate and geography, identifies human behaviors and societal advancement to a significant extent. This view has been subject to criticism for oversimplifying the complex web of aspects that influence human societies and for underestimating the company of human beings in adapting and transforming their environments.

Overall, Huntington's quote welcomes reflection on the deep connections between human beings and their environments, advocating for a historic and evolutionary viewpoint to truly comprehend the origins of certain prevalent human qualities. It challenges us to consider how ancient environmental conditions have shaped the varied tapestry of human presence we observe today.