Book description
"This textbook, aimed at advanced undergraduates and postgraduates
in paleoanthropology courses, tackles a rather difficult task-that of
presenting the substantial body of paleontological, genetic, geological
and archaeological evidence regarding human evolution, and the
associated scientific history, in a logical and readable way without
sacrificing either clarity or detail... the sheer quality of the writing
and explanatory synthesis in this book will undoubtedly make it a
valuable resource for students for many years."
-PaleoAnthropology, 2010
This book focuses on the last ten million years of human history,
from the hominoid radiations to the emergence and diversification of
modern humanity. It draws upon the fossil record to shed light on the
key scientific issues, principles, methods, and history in
paleoanthropology. The book proceeds through the fossil record of
human evolution by historical stages representing the acquisition of
major human features that explain the success and distinctive
properties of modern Homo sapiens.
Key features:
- Provides thorough coverage of the fossil record and sites, with
data on key variables such as cranial capacity and body size estimates
- Offers a balanced, critical assessment of the interpretative
models explaining pattern in the fossil record
- Each chapter incorporates a "Blind Alley" box focusing
on once prevalent ideas now rejected such as the arboreal theory,
seed-eating, single-species hypothesis, and Piltdown man
- Promotes critical thinking by students while allowing
instructors flexibility in structuring their teaching
- Densely illustrated with informative, well-labelled anatomical
drawings and photographs
- Includes an annotated bibliography for advanced inquiry
Written by established leaders in the field, providing depth of
expertise on evolutionary theory and anatomy through to functional
morphology, this textbook is essential reading for all advanced
undergraduate students and beginning graduate students in biological
anthropology.
Matt Cartmill is a Professor in the Department of
Biological Anthropology and Anatomy at Duke University. His areas of
interest include: Bipedal locomotion, Gait analysis, and Origin and
differentiation of primates in addition to several other subjects.
Fred H. Smith is a biological antrhopologist with specific
interests in human paleontology and functional anatomy. He teaches
courses in human paleontology, human osteology, introductory
biological anthropology, and the paleolithis prehistory of Europe and
Africa.
