Processes in Human Evolution

Description

A comprehensive overview of the latest research in hominid evolution, synthesising data and approaches from fields as diverse as physical anthropology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, genetics, archaeology, psychology and philosophy.

• Written by two leading authorities in the fields of physical anthropology and molecular evolution
• Integrates data and approaches from fields as diverse as physical anthropology, evolutionary biology, molecular biology, genetics, and archaeology
• Includes a particular focus on population migrations, and the emergence of lithic cultures

About the Author(s)

Francisco J. Ayala, University Professor and Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine, and Camilo J. Cela-Conde, Director of the Laboratory of Human Systematics and Professor of Anthropology, University of Balearic Islands

Francisco J. Ayala is University Professor and Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences and Professor of Philosophy at the University of California, Irvine. Prof. Ayala is a member of the National Academy of Sciences, a recipient of the 2001 National Medal of Science, and served as Chair of the Authoring Committee of Science, Evolution, and Creationism. Dr Ayala has received numerous awards, including the 2010 Templeton Prize for 'exceptional contribution to affirming life's spiritual dimension' and 23 honorary degrees from universities in ten countries. He has been President and Chairman of the Board of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and President of Sigma Xi, the Scientific Research Society of the United States. Dr. Ayala has written numerous books and articles about science and religion, including Darwin's Gift to Science and Religion (Joseph Henry Press, 2007), Am I a Monkey? (Johns Hopkins University Press, 2010), and The Big Questions. Evolution (Quercus, 2012).

Camilo J. Cela-Conde is Senior Professor of the Department of Philosophy, University of Balearic Islands (UIB, Palma de Mallorca, Spain) and Director of the Laboratory of Human Systematics (UIB). He is a member of the Institute of Interdisciplinary Physics and Complex Systems (IFISC), Universidad de las Islas Baleares & Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (Palma de Mallorca and Madrid, Spain), and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science USA (Biology section). He is also a member of the Center for Academic Research and Teaching in Anthropogeny, Salk Institute and University of California, San Diego (USA), elected in March, 2008. He has leadered several expeditions as follows. Kenya; Expedition to Tugen Hills, Baringo Lake District, year 2005, research on early cultural tools. Tanzania; Expedition to Natron Lake, year 2006, research on Hadza hunter-gatherers behavior.

Table of Contents

1:Evolution, Genetics, and Systematics
2:Taxonomy
3:The Origin of Hominins
4:Miocene and Early Pliocene Hominins
5:Middle and Upper Pliocene Hominins
6:The Emergence of the Genus Homo
7:Lithic Traditions: Tool Making
8:Middle and Lower Pleistocene: The Homo Radiation
9:Hominin Transition to Late Pliocene
10:Species of the Late Pleistocene
11:Neandertals and Modern Humans: Similarities and Differences