"A thoroughly professional book, not necessarily easy reading because of the breadth of technical materials covered, but deserves study by any anthropologist interested in the biological process in contemporary human populations; it will also be mined for ideas by a much wider audience of human biologists." --The Quarterly Review of Biology
"Characterized by a unity in outlook and approach rarely, if ever, found in multi-authored volume. . . .Interesting and well-written." --Population Studies
"The breadth of coverage of the chapters, the chapter bibliographies, and the emphasis on directions for future research make this volume a necessary addition to the bookshelf of any anthropologist or nonanthropologist interested in biocultural aspects of our own species. In addition, I think it will find a niche in upper-level courses or seminars dealing with the subject of human adaptation, whether they are taught in anthropology, physiology, nutrition, ecology, demography, or medical science departments. . . .Stands as a testament to Baker's vision and his teaching." --American Journal of Human Biology
Product Description
This book is a careful integration of the social and biological sciences, drawing on anthropology, biology, human ecology and medicine to provide a comprehensive understanding of how our species adapts to natural and man-made environments. Part I presents techniques to adapt and apply demographic methods to small populations, particularly important for studying non-Western populations. Part II discusses the relationship of medical genetics to human adaptability and patterns of disease in non-Western populations. Part III covers capacity, climatic stress, and nutrition. Part IV presents methods for growth assessment and prediction and addresses the topic of aging. The final section, Part V, presents integrated case studies of human adaptation to high altitude, and patterns of modernization and stress resulting from cultural change.
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