Evolution And History

Preface xxxi

Another chapter theme is the importance of under-

standing evolutionary processes for the survival of the

planet. In a new Original Study, leading global ecologist Sir

Robert May explores the relationship between human prac-

tices and the extinction of other species. Against this philo-

sophical backdrop, we also consider the mechanics of the

molecular regulation of variational change as well as punc-

tuated change using recent discoveries regarding Darwin’s

finches. A new figure accompanies this discussion. Another

new figure compares the skull shape and size of fossil pro-

simians and fossil anthropoids. A revised timeline and fig-

ure of the evolutionary relationships among the anthropoid

primates take into account the potential new fossil gorilla

evidence discovered in 2007 (Chororapithecus abyssinicus).

More images of fossil specimens are included in the chapter

compared to previous editions so that students can “see” as

well as read about our mammalian primate heritage.

CHAPTER 7: THE FIRST BIPEDS

This up-to-date chapter explores bipedalism, the distinc-

tive feature of the human evolutionary line, concentrating

on the australopithecines and other species that inhabited

Africa before the appearance of the genus Homo. It con-

tains the new evidence and analyses published in 2009

suggesting that forest-dwelling Ardipithecus is the com-

mon ancestor to all later bipeds. It also integrates this

notion into the hypotheses regarding the savannah ad-

aptation of our ancestors. We introduce students to how

paleoanthropologists go about reconstructing human

evolutionary history. A new Original Study, “Ankles of the

Australopithecines” by John Hawks, exemplifies how pa-

leoanthropologists use comparative morphological studies

to reconstruct the past. Chapter figures and glossary terms

are linked to this Original Study.

Current ethical issues also find their way into the chap-

ter, such as the controversy regarding the current U.S. tour

of the 3.2-million-year-old “Lucy” fossils. A new figure

compares gracile and robust australopithecines, and a re-

vised figure also indicates all the major australopithecine

sites. The Biocultural Connection on evolution and human

birth explores the ways that contemporary Western prac-

tices influenced the paleoanthropological reconstruction

of the human birth pattern. The Anthropologists of Note

feature explores the extraordinary contributions of Louis

and Mary Leakey to the discipline of paleoanthropology.

CHAPTER 8: EARLY HOMO AND THE ORIGINS OF

CULTURE

This chapter traces the genus Homo from its origins 2.5 or

so million years ago up until the Upper Paleolithic. Taking a

“lumping” approach, it divides the fossil record into the three

divisions of Homo habilis, Homo erectus, and archaic Homo

sapiens. At the same time we explore the differences between

lumping and splitting fossil specimens into numerous taxa

CHAPTER 5: FIELD METHODS IN ARCHAEOLOGY

AND PALEOANTHROPOLOGY

This methods chapter clearly conveys the key method-

ological techniques employed by archaeologists and pa-

leoanthropologists as they study human prehistory. We

open with the question of shared cultural heritage and

ownership of the past through a new Challenge Issue on

the Bamiyan Buddhas of Afghanistan destroyed by the

Taliban in 2001. We have streamlined this comprehensive

chapter with this edition to make room for technologi-

cal advances and the ethical issues that have arisen from

these new technologies. The chapter contains a new figure

to illustrate the concept of stratification and a complete

description of the ecofacts and features used to study the

past. We cover new technologies such as ground-penetrat-

ing radar (GPR), geographic information systems (GIS),

remote sensing techniques, and an expanded section on

underwater archaeology. We describe the use of CT scans

in bioarchaeology, forensics, and paleoanthropology and

make explicit the links between bioarchaeology and foren-

sics. The chapter includes more coverage on the purpose

of NAGPRA. We also explore the issues surrounding the

digitization of human remains and aboriginal responses to

museum efforts to do this in contexts without NAGPRA,

as seen in the current controversy between the University

of Vienna and the Ju/’hoansi people.

An Anthropology Applied box on cultural resource

management by John Crock, an Original Study on the

chance discovery of the skeleton of a young girl frozen in

the ice of Barrow, Alaska, and a Biocultural Connection

on Kennewick Man all provide insights into the complexi-

ties involved in investigating the past. They also explore

the philosophical approach necessary for successful col-

laboration between scientists and local people.

CHAPTER 6: MACROEVOLUTION AND THE EARLY

PRIMATES

Building on the evolutionary principles laid out in Chapter

2, this chapter provides an excellent overview of macro-

evolutionary mechanisms along with a concise discussion

of mammalian primate evolution. While introducing stu-

dents to concepts such as heterochrony, homeobox genes,

anagenesis, and cladogenesis, through clear descriptions

and diagrams, we also discuss the comparative approach

employed by evolutionary scientists.

The Eocene specimen “Ida” (Darwinius masillae) dis-

covered in 2009 is featured in a variety of contexts. The

chapter’s Challenge Issue discusses the recent popularity

of human evolutionary studies in the media, asking how

the self-correcting nature of science can function against

a backdrop of “tweets,” Google logos, and unprecedented

prices for fossil specimens paid by museums to private col-

lectors. A new Biocultural Connection by Meredith Small

explores the significance of the “Ida” specimen.

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