The Human Lineage (Foundation of Human Biology) - Hardcover

Cartmill, Matt; Smith, Fred H.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0471214914 ISBN 13: 9780471214915

Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell, 2009

Synopsis

"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.

About this title

Review

"The Human Lineage could be used as a sole text, supplemented with journal articles and library sources." (PaleoAnthropology, 2010)

"Although paleoanthropology as a field moves rapidly 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, July 2010)"The Human Lineage excels in providing rich detail and clear explanations for complex issues. This is true of the writing, but is particularly apparent in the 300 or so superb illustrations that detail dozens of fossils as well as anatomical structures and mechanics." (The Quarterly Review of Biology, March 2010)

"Cartmill and Smith have produced a generally excellent work for advanced students." (CHOICE, October 2009)

Synopsis

"The Human Lineage" 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. It provides thorough coverage of the fossil record and sites, with data on key variables such as cranial capacity and body size estimates. It 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. This title promotes critical thinking by students while allowing instructors flexibility in structuring their teaching. It is densely illustrated with informative, well-labelled anatomical drawings and photographs.

It 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.

Edition details

• Publisher: Wiley-Blackwell
• Publication date: 2009
• ISBN 10: 0471214914
• ISBN 13: 9780471214915
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 624