Processes in Human Evolution: The journey from early hominins to Neanderthals and modern humans

by Francisco J. Ayala, Camilo José Cela Conde

The discoveries of the last decade have brought about a completely revised understanding of human evolution due to the recent advances in genetics, palaeontology, ecology, archaeology, geography, and climate science. Written by two leading authorities in the fields of physical anthropology and molecular evolution, Processes in Human Evolution presents a reconsidered overview of hominid evolution, synthesising data and approaches from a range of inter-disciplinary fields. The authors pay particular attention to population migrations - since these are crucial in understanding the origin and dispersion of the different genera and species in each continent - and to the emergence of the lithic cultures and their impact on the evolution of cognitive capacities.

Processes in Human Evolution is intended as a primary textbook for university courses on human evolution, and may also be used as supplementary reading in advanced undergraduate and graduate courses. It is also suitable for a more general audience seeking a readable but up-to-date and inclusive treatment of human origins and evolution.

Genres: Science, Evolution, Nonfiction

592 pages, Paperback

Published May 16, 2017

About the author

Spanish-American evolutionary biologist and philosopher at the University of California, Irvine. Member of the National Academy of Sciences, recipient of the 2001 National Medal of Science and the 2010 Templeton Prize.

Reviews

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perhaps a little heavy on the science side, but as a set textbook for uni, probably one of the reasons why it is. Some of it is fine for the layman to read, other parts would either bore or find too hard to understand. I think for the most part, I found what I needed and understood what I needed for Uni, and although I wish there had been more on the cultural side of things, as they include a chapter about fire and tools, but not what they thought really they used them for and/or why, just the 'how'. The only real issue that I have with this whole topic is the lack of 'yes' this IS, as the arguments between all the researchers about 'what' and 'why' and 'how' are all more hypothesizes and speculation, and so long as no one objects, then maybe it might stand as a 'possible', but in reality the lack of evidence, any DNA, and trying to make up their minds as exactly what MAKES a Species, can drive a reader wanting answers, a little mad. If you don't want to be confused, then don't read the book.

[Riversue · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm going to start reading this one again. So much important detail that it needs a second reading.