Reconstructing Human Origins, Second Edition
by Glenn C. Conroy
Category: Science

This dynamic introduction to paleoanthropology presents the fossil evidence for human evolution and demonstrates how anthropologists interpret this evidence in light of the most current research. Addressing some of the most central questions in paleoanthropology—where did we come from? is the emergence of humans an evolutionary anomaly?—Professor Conroy explores with clarity and enthusiasm the promise and challenges of this exciting field. The Second Edition has been significantly expanded and reorganized for greater accessibility. New and Expanded Coverage In addition to Professor Conroy’s newly included essay, Brainteasers, which compares hot issues and non-issues in human evolution, the Second Edition includes: New discussions of Sahelanthropus, Orrorin, Ardipithecus, Kenyanthropus, and newly discovered species of Australopithecus. New discussions of the oldest hominins from Europe, including those from Dmanisi (Georgia) and Atapuerca (Spain). New molecular evidence regarding the multiregional versus out-of-Africa hypotheses. A new, comprehensive bibliography arranged in the style of the American Journal of Physical Anthropology. Reorganized and Revised To accommodate new material and make the text more accessible and useful for lectures, the Second Edition has been expanded from ten to thirteen chapters. New coverage includes a clarifying introduction, in chapter 1, to basic primate dental and postcranial anatomy and an engaging treatment, in chapter 2, of climatic aspects of the Plio-Pleistocene world that influenced evolution. Remaining material has been rigorously revised and reorganized, integrating the diverse aspects of human evolution into a clear narrative. Pedagogically Useful Art Program Reconstructing Human Origins features an extensive art program that contextualizes and expands upon information and concepts in the text.