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

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.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 Evolutionpresents 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 Evolutionis 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.1. Evolution, Genetics, and Systematics2. Taxonomy3. The Origin of Hominins4. Miocene and Early Pliocene Hominins5. Middle and Upper Pliocene Hominins6. The Emergence of the Genus Homo7. Lithic Traditions: Tool Making8. Middle and Lower Pleistocene: The Homo Radiation9. Hominin Transition to Late Pliocene10. Species of the Late Pleistocene11. Neandertals and Modern Humans: Similarities and DifferencesFrancisco J. Ayala,University Professor and Donald Bren Professor of Biological Sciences, University of California, Irvine,Camilo J. Cela-Conde,Director of the Laboratory of Human Systematics and Professor of Anthropology, Ul0