The Complete World of Human Evolution

Description

Human domination of our earth is now so complete that it is easy to forget how recently our role in the history of our planet began: the earliest apes evolved around 20 million years ago, yet homo sapiens has existed for a mere 160,000 years. In the intervening period, dozens of species of early ape and human have lived and died out, leaving behind the fossilized remains that have helped to build up the detailed picture of our evolution revealed in this book. It explores every aspect of the study of ape and human evolution in three accessible sections, lavishly illustrated throughout with photographs, diagrams, timelines and specially commissioned drawings. The book includes new descriptions of the famous 'Ardi' skeleton (Ardipithecus ramidus; information on the newly discovered species Australopithecus sediba; fresh work on the dwarf-human remains from Indonesia; new DNA research showing that modern humans living outside Africa have traces of Neanderthal genetic heritage; new discoveries from a Siberian cave suggesting another, as yet unnamed human species lived alongside Neanderthals and modern humans. This compelling and authoritative account is essential reading for anyone interested in, or studying, the story of human origins.

Chris Stringer is Research Leader in Human Origins at the Natural History Museum, London and has been active an researcher in palaeonathropology for over 30 years. Chris Stringer is author of In Search of the Neanderthals (with Clive Gamble), Homo Britannicus and The Origin of Our Species. Peter Andrews was Research Leader in Human Origins at the Natural History Museum, London and is now curator of Blandford Museum. Both have been active researchers in palaeonathropology for over 30 years.

'A spectacular, authoritative guide.... It will bring you up to speed on even the most recent discoveries' - Archaeology 'Readable and accessible ... this is the book to read' - BBC History Magazine 'Read it and evolve' - Current World Archaeology 'An illuminating and interesting, up-to-date account' - The Biologist