Introduction

This is an introductory textbook for the study of human evolution, and covers all major topics of human origins taught under paleoanthropology, anthropology, archaeology, and evolutionary biology courses. This book differs from the existing selection of textbooks in the following ways:

Key Features

• It incorporates the most recent fossil discoveries and interpretations.

• It balances the discussion between descriptions of fossils and interpretations of behavior of hominins in different time periods.

• It includes current findings of genomics into understanding the more recent stages of human evolution. This important subdiscipline is badly underserved by current texts.

• It consistently addresses the relationship of evidence to our current hypotheses and interpretations.

Style and Content

The book has an engaging and lucid style suitable for those entering the field. Students will find ample case studies, illustrations and examples helpful in understanding difficult concepts. Tables, timelines, and maps in every chapter include data summaries and key points. The book highlights peripheral points and background concepts in side boxes for easy reference and lists key ideas at the end of each chapter.

Audience

This up-to-date and easy to read text is suitable for both classroom study and self-learning.