Human Paleobiology (Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology) [Hardcover]

Robert B. Eckhardt (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0521451604 | ISBN-13: 978-0521451604 | Publication Date: October 23, 2000 | Edition: 1

Human Paleobiology provides a unifying framework for the study of past and present human populations to a range of changing environments. It integrates evidence from studies of human adaptability, comparative primatology, and molecular genetics to document consistent measures of genetic distance among subspecies, species, and other taxonomic groupings. These findings support the interpretation of human biology in terms of fewer number of populations characterized by higher levels of genetic continuity than previously hypothesized. Using this as a basis, Robert Eckhardt goes on to analyze problems in human paleobiology including phenotypic differentiation, patterns of species range expansion, and phyletic succession in terms of the patterns and processes still observable in extant populations. This book will be a challenging and stimulating read for students and researchers interested in human paleobiology or evolutionary anthropology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Some of the more current themes in human evolution can be consumed in Robert Eckhardt's Human Paleobiology (Cambridge University Press, 2000)...a useful synopsis." Canadian Palaeobiology

"He has the knowledge and the stature to pull this off, and I believe he succeeds in making the sort of argument that will be listened to." American Journal of Human Biology

Book Description

Human Paleobiology explores the adaptability and variation in past and present human populations under a range of changing environmental conditions. Using a historical approach emphasizing phenotypic features instead of complex taxonomy, it will be a stimulating and challenging read for all those interested in human paleobiology, evolutionary biology and anthropology.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 368 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press; 1 edition (October 23, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521451604
• ISBN-13: 978-0521451604
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #3,784,869 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars No Bones About It, May 16, 2001

By 

Andrew A. Kramer (Reston, VA United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Human Paleobiology (Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology) (Hardcover)

Human Paleobiology by Robert Eckhardt addresses the conundrum affecting the study of human evolution: as more data become available, the less clear becomes our understanding of mankind?s past. Dr. Eckhardt skillfully points out that this needn?t be the case if paleobiologists grasp certain fundamental concepts. These include, among others, an understanding of intra-population variability, the impact of small progressive changes on the overall rate of change in a character, and the difference between a population?s phenotypic profile and it?s genotypic structure. Eckhardt meticulously demonstrates how taking these factors into account makes the fossil record less puzzling, particularly as new data are obtained. One cannot help but be impressed by Eckhardt?s breadth and depth of knowledge.

Although disdaining colorful theories, Eckhardt?s writing style is certainly not drab. Drawing on examples from areas as diverse as the stock market to the humor of James Thurber, Human Paleobiology makes for a particularly good read. Which is not to say that it is an easy read. Scientists like myself who are outside the field of evolutionary biology may find the sections on primates as well as the inventory of the fossil record a bit protracted. Additionally, the complexity of the material covered cries out for the inclusion of a glossary.

Some readers may consider Eckhardt too contentious. Personally I enjoyed the author?s pugilistic precision in KO?ing fallacious nostrums. While Eckhardt doesn?t pull any punches his rational and equitable arguments are always blows above the belt. Personally I can?t wait until the nascent fields of genomics and bioinformatics start to generate copious amounts of information, requiring a second edition of Human Paleobiology. When that occurs no doubt Eckhardt will once again come out swinging.

Human Paleobiology is indeed evolutionary (pun intended) in that it represents a progression from prosaic thinking to scientific inquiry in the study of Man?s past. Above all Eckhardt demands that one thinks rather than emotes.