Processes in Human Evolution

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.

Table of Contents

1. Evolution, genetics, and systematics

2. Taxonomy

3. The hominin lineage

4. Miocene and Lower 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 Upper Pliocene

10. Species of the Upper Pleistocene

11. Neanderthals and modern humans: similarities and differences

About the Author

Francisco 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, 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 Cientificas (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.