An Introduction to Human Evolutionary Anatomy [Hardcover]

Leslie Aiello (Author), Christopher Dean (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 11, 1990 | ISBN-10: 0120455900 | ISBN-13: 978-0120455904

An anthropologist and an anatomist have combined their skills in this book to provide students and research workers with the essentials of anatomy and the means to apply these to investigations into hominid form and function. Using basic principles and relevant bones, conclusions can be reached regarding the probable musculature, stance, brain size, age, weight, and sex of a particular fossil specimen. The sort of deductions which are possible are illustrated by reference back to contemporary apes and humans, and a coherent picture of the history of hominid evolution appears. Written in a clear and concise style and beautifully illustrated, An Introduction to Human Evolutionary Anatomy is a basic reference for all concerned with human evolution as well as a valuable companion to both laboratory practical sessions and new research using fossil skeletons.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"This outstanding contribution is anything but just another anatomy book. Aiello and Dean have filled a major gap in the literature of human evolution with this textbook of functional morphology for fossil hominids and modern great apes. Its uniqueness lies in a complete emphasis on subjects of concern in paleoanthropology, the use of an explicitly comparative approach, and a detailed discussion of the fossil record... Aiello and Dean have done a superb job. For human evolutionary anatomy, the state of the art has been measurably enhanced."
--AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST
"This extraordinary book combines the two related studies of human anatomy and human paleontology... [Aiello and Dean] weave the two subjects together and produce a text that not only is filled with information but is easily usable... It is especially useful that the authors have included an introductory section on taxonomy and classification... It is a book that I believe everyone interested in human evolution should own. My final comment is that if I had to make a selection of limited items to take with me to the field where I would be studying or searching for hominid fossils, this book would be on my list."
--BECKY A. SIGMON, University of Toronto
"A highly innovative hybrid between textbook and extended review, that will be an essential resource for advanced undergraduates and researchers in any related field...Aiello and Dean have performed a major feat in bringing together in the compass of one volume such a mass of information. A couple of hours with Aiello and Dean will save the researcher days and weeks in the library. I believe it will come to be regarded as one of the most important resources for anyone framing a new research project in early hominid studies."
--THE TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
"Its unique blend of anatomy and paleontology will be extremely useful for a wide range of students and researchers in anthropology, anatomy, and paleontology....After reading through the vast array of topics covered by this book, one can't help but feel that the authors and the illustrator have done us a great service."
--Mark F. Teaford, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY

Book Description

The First Comprehensive Description of Hominid Form and Function --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 608 pages
• Publisher: Academic Press (February 11, 1990)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0120455900
• ISBN-13: 978-0120455904
• Product Dimensions: 10.2 x 8 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 3.2 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,140,819 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent book-faithfull to its own title., February 24, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: An Introduction to Human Evolutionary Anatomy (Paperback)

Students of Human paleoanthropology should look no further for complete synthesis of anatomical aspects that are proprietary to Hominids-because not only that full treatment is provided on such topics as diachronic trends in qualitative and quantitive development in anatomical features, but recapitulation that contains basic standards of anatomical reporting,complete terminology and also,with full recognition that one important propertes of locomotory system is in its mechanisms for body movement,so that this is not only descriptive work,but one that contains detailed account on anatomical pecularities of Human ancestors,thus providing non-analogues perspective on subject,in full recognition that it is sometimes wrong to accept uncriticaly paralels with modern Humans.Also,some histological aspects are mentioned.This book will provide students with full account on subject of evolutionary anatomy,perhaps one that could became most easily dull,descriptive work under some other concepts,but instead is excelently and logicaly organised textbook.

5.0 out of 5 stars Human Evolutionary Anatomy, May 6, 2007

By 

Lydia H. Toso (USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: An Introduction to Human Evolutionary Anatomy (Paperback)

Very well written and scholarly. Combines the best of human anatomy and biological anthropology. Recommended for anyone who has a serious interest in this field.

Lydia Toso