The Human Lineage

"This textbook, aimed at advanced undergraduates and postgraduatesin paleoanthropology courses, tackles a rather difficulttask--that of presenting the substantial body ofpaleontological, genetic, geological and archaeological evidenceregarding human evolution, and the associated scientific history,in a logical and readable way without sacrificing either clarity ordetail... the sheer quality of the writing and explanatorysynthesis in this book will undoubtedly make it a valuable resourcefor students for many years." --PaleoAnthropology, 2010 This book focuses on the last ten million years of humanhistory, from the hominoid radiations to the emergence anddiversification of modern humanity. It draws upon the fossil recordto shed light on the key scientific issues, principles, methods,and history in paleoanthropology. The book proceeds through thefossil record of human evolution by historical stages representingthe acquisition of major human features that explain the successand distinctive properties of modern Homo sapiens. Key features: * Provides thorough coverage of the fossil record and sites, withdata on key variables such as cranial capacity and body sizeestimates * Offers a balanced, critical assessment of the interpretativemodels explaining pattern in the fossil record * Each chapter incorporates a "Blind Alley" box focusing on onceprevalent ideas now rejected such as the arboreal theory,seed-eating, single-species hypothesis, and Piltdown man * Promotes critical thinking by students while allowinginstructors flexibility in structuring their teaching * Densely illustrated with informative, well-labelled anatomicaldrawings and photographs * Includes an annotated bibliography for advanced inquiry Written by established leaders in the field, providing depth ofexpertise on evolutionary theory and anatomy through to functionalmorphology, this textbook is essential reading for all advancedundergraduate students and beginning graduate students inbiological anthropology.