The animal connection : a new perspective on what makes us human /
Shipman, Pat,1949-
New York ; London : Norton,
c2011.
Why do humans all over the world take in and nurture other animals? This behavior might seem maladaptive--after all, every mouthful given to another species is one that you cannot eat--but in this heartening new study, acclaimed anthropologist Pat Shipman reveals that our propensity to domesticate and care for other animals is in fact among our species' greatest strengths. For the last 2.6 million years, Shipman explains, humans who coexisted with animals enjoyed definite adaptive and cultural advantages. To illustrate this point, Shipman gives us a tour of the milestones in human civilization--from agriculture to art and even language--and describes how we reached each stage through our unique relationship with other animals. The Animal Connection reaffirms our love of animals as something both innate and distinctly human, revealing that the process of domestication not only changed animals but had a resounding impact on us as well.--From publisher description.
Why do humans all over the world take in and nurture other animals? This behavior might seem maladaptive--after all, every mouthful given to another species is one that you cannot eat--but in this heartening new study, acclaimed anthropologist Pat Shipman reveals that our propensity to domesticate and care for other animals is in fact among our species' greatest strengths. For the last 2.6 million years, Shipman explains, humans who coexisted with animals enjoyed definite adaptive and cultural advantages. To illustrate this point, Shipman gives us a tour of the milestones in human civilization--from agriculture to art and even language--and describes how we reached each stage through our unique relationship with other animals. The Animal Connection reaffirms our love of animals as something both innate and distinctly human, revealing that the process of domestication not only changed animals but had a resounding impact on us as well.--From publisher description.
Includes bibliographical references (p. 283-314) and index.
Begin at the beginning -- Evolve without evolving -- Attention must be paid -- Is a tool a tool a tool? -- Uniquely human? -- The bonobo solution -- A brief stop in the Levant -- Say what? -- Tell me all about it -- Spreading the word -- My cat wants you to open the door -- Living together -- The wolf at the door -- Signs of domestication -- Baa, baa, black sheep, have you any wool? -- Riding into the sunset -- The animal connection in the modern world.
Human evolution.
Human-animal relationships.
Domestication.
Prehistoric peoples.