50 Great Myths of Human Evolution: Understanding Misconceptions about Our Origins - Softcover

Relethford, John H.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0470673923 ISBN 13: 9780470673928

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2017

Synopsis

50 Great Myths of Human Evolution uses common misconceptions to explore basic theory and research in human evolution and strengthen critical thinking skills for lay readers and students.

• Examines intriguing―yet widely misunderstood―topics, from general ideas about evolution and human origins to the evolution of modern humans and recent trends in the field
• Describes what fossils, archaeology, and genetics can tell us about human origins
• Demonstrates the ways in which science adapts and changes over time to incorporate new evidence and better explanations
• Includes myths such as “Humans lived at the same time as dinosaurs;” “Lucy was so small because she was a child;” “Our ancestors have always made fire;” and “There is a strong relationship between brain size and intelligence”
• Comprised of stand-alone essays that are perfect for casual reading, as well as footnotes and references that allow readers to delve more deeply into topics

About this title

About the Author

John H. Relethford is Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the State University of New York College at Oneonta, USA, where he has taught since 1981. He is a biological anthropologist specializing in human population genetics, human variation, and the evolution of modern humans. He is a former President and Vice-President of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, former Vice President and President of the American Association of Anthropological Genetics, and a Fellow and Former Chair of Section H (Anthropology) of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has over 170 publications, including several books, over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, and over 25 book chapters. Most recently, he is the author of The Human Species: An Introduction to Biological Anthropology (9^th edition, 2013), Human Population Genetics (Wiley-Blackwell, 2012), and co-author of Human Biological Variation (2^nd edition, 2011).

From the Back Cover

Where do we come from? How are we related to other creatures? What is uniquely human? Are we still evolving?

50 Great Myths of Human Evolution explores common myths and misconceptions surrounding the story of human evolution. It examines intriguing yet widely misunderstood topics―from evolution and human origins to the evolution of modern humans, to recent trends in the field dispelling myths along the way such as: Natural selection always works; Australopithecus was a killer ape; Neandertals walked bent over and were dumb brutes; Civilization has been influenced by extraterrestrials, and, We can predict the future of human evolution.

50 lively and engaging essays provide the perfect introduction for the inquisitive reader and for students studying the field. Each myth succinctly summarizes the topic and reviews the current state of theory and research in the area. Footnotes and references are also provided throughout to allow for further research into topics of particular interest. Together, these short writings uncover what fossils, archeology, and genetics can tell us about human origins and demonstrate the ways in which science adapts and changes over time to incorporate new evidence and better explanations.

A compendium of the most up-to-date and fascinating information in human evolution, this guide also equips readers with the skills to question and critically evaluate the field as it changes in the future.

From the Inside Flap

Where do we come from? How are we related to other creatures? What is uniquely human? Are we still evolving?

50 Great Myths of Human Evolution explores common myths and misconceptions surrounding the story of human evolution. It examines intriguing yet widely misunderstood topics—from evolution and human origins to the evolution of modern humans, to recent trends in the field dispelling myths along the way such as: Natural selection always works; Australopithecus was a killer ape; Neandertals walked bent over and were dumb brutes; Civilization has been influenced by extraterrestrials, and, We can predict the future of human evolution.

50 lively and engaging essays provide the perfect introduction for the inquisitive reader and for students studying the field. Each myth succinctly summarizes the topic and reviews the current state of theory and research in the area. Footnotes and references are also provided throughout to allow for further research into topics of particular interest. Together, these short writings uncover what fossils, archeology, and genetics can tell us about human origins and demonstrate the ways in which science adapts and changes over time to incorporate new evidence and better explanations.

A compendium of the most up-to-date and fascinating information in human evolution, this guide also equips readers with the skills to question and critically evaluate the field as it changes in the future.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Publication date: 2017
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0470673923
• ISBN 13: 9780470673928
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 304