Simulating Human Origins and Evolution

Simulating Human Origins and Evolution PDF

Author: K. P. Wessen

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2005-04-14

Total Pages: 262

ISBN-13: 9781139444569

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The development of populations over time, and, on longer timescales, the evolution of species, are both influenced by a complex of interacting, underlying processes. Computer simulation provides a means of experimenting within an idealised framework to allow aspects of these processes and their interactions to be isolated, controlled, and understood. In this book, computer simulation is used to model migration, extinction, fossilisation, interbreeding, selection and non-hereditary effects in the context of human populations and the observed distribution of fossil and current hominoid species. The simulations described enable the visualisation and study of lineages, genetic diversity in populations, character diversity across species and the accuracy of reconstructions, allowing insights into human evolution and the origins of humankind for graduate students and researchers in the fields of physical anthropology, human evolution, and human genetics.

The Truth about Human Origins

The Truth about Human Origins PDF

Author: Brad Harrub

Publisher: Apologetics Press Inc.

Published: 2003

Total Pages: 531

ISBN-13: 0932859585

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Ever since Charles Darwin first published The Origin of Species on November 24, 1859, the subject of origins has been one of the most controversial topics around. Sadly, it also is a subject that is fraught with erroneous theories and concepts. Most students today are taught that organic evolution is not a theory, but a "fact" that all "reputable scientists" accept. Disclaimers from the evolutionary community notwithstanding, such a claim is, quite simply, wrong. We believe it is time for someone to offer what renowned news commentator Paul Harvey would call "the rest of the story." That is what The Truth About Human Origins does. It tells the rest of the story as it discusses the scientific facts about mankind's beginning. For example, it investigates the "record of the rocks" as that record relates to human evolution. It demonstrates how evolutionary theory is unable to explain things like the origin of gender and sexual reproduction, the origin of language and communication, the origin of the brain, the mind, and human consciousness, and the origin of skin colors and blood types. It also examines in an in-depth fashion the so-called "molecular evidence" of human evolution.

50 Great Myths of Human Evolution

50 Great Myths of Human Evolution PDF

Author: John H. Relethford

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2017-01-17

Total Pages: 301

ISBN-13: 0470673915

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

50 Great Myths of Human Evolution uses common misconceptions to explore basic theory and research in human evolution and strengthen critical thinking skills for lay readers and students. Examines intriguing—yet widely misunderstood—topics, from general ideas about evolution and human origins to the evolution of modern humans and recent trends in the field Describes what fossils, archaeology, and genetics can tell us about human origins Demonstrates the ways in which science adapts and changes over time to incorporate new evidence and better explanations Includes myths such as “Humans lived at the same time as dinosaurs;” “Lucy was so small because she was a child;” “Our ancestors have always made fire;” and “There is a strong relationship between brain size and intelligence” Comprised of stand-alone essays that are perfect for casual reading, as well as footnotes and references that allow readers to delve more deeply into topics

How to Build a Human

How to Build a Human PDF

Author: Pamela S. Turner

Publisher: Charlesbridge Publishing

Published: 2022-04-12

Total Pages: 179

ISBN-13: 1632897733

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The epic story of our evolution in seven big steps! How did we become who we are? With trademark wit, acclaimed science writer Pamela S. Turner breaks down human evolution into the seven most important steps leading to Homo sapiens. How, when, and why did we: 1.stand up, 2.smash rocks, 3.get swelled heads, 4.take a hike, 5.invent barbecue, 6.start talking (and never shut up), and 7.become storytellers? This fascinating, wickedly funny account of our evolutionary journey turns science into an irresistible story. Vetted by experts at the Smithsonian's Human Origins Program, the book also features incredibly detailed portraits by celebrated paleo-artist John Gurche that bring our early ancestors to life.

Genes, Fossils, and Behaviour

Genes, Fossils, and Behaviour PDF

Author: Peter Donnelly

Publisher: IOS Press

Published: 2001

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 9789051994490

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

While the basic pattern of hominid evolution is well documented, the recent evolutionary history of homo sapiens is less clear. Application of molecular genetics techniques has great potential for resolving issues over this period, but as the complexity of such data increases, the quantitative methods used for its analysis are becoming more important. This phase is also one of the richest for biological and behavioural evidence derived from both fossils and archaeology. The book will contain expository and state-of-the-art research contributions from experts in these diverse areas, covering data and its interpretation, and experimental and analytical techniques.

The Origins of Humankind

The Origins of Humankind PDF

Author: Stephen Tomkins

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 1998-07-23

Total Pages: 146

ISBN-13: 9780521466769

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

The text starts explaining the theory of evolution and further chapters discuss the human journey.

Developmental Approaches to Human Evolution

Developmental Approaches to Human Evolution PDF

Author: Julia C. Boughner

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons

Published: 2016-02-16

Total Pages: 360

ISBN-13: 1118524683

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

Developmental Approaches to Human Evolution encapsulates the current state of evolutionary developmental anthropology. This emerging scientific field applies tools and approaches from modern developmental biology to understand the role of genetic and developmental processes in driving morphological and cognitive evolution in humans, non-human primates and in the laboratory organisms used to model these changes. Featuring contributions from well-established pioneers and emerging leaders, this volume is designed to build research momentum and catalyze future innovation in this burgeoning field. The book’s broad research scope encompasses soft and hard tissues of the head and body, including the skeleton, special senses and the brain. Developmental Approaches to Human Evolution is an invaluable resource on the mechanisms of primate and vertebrate evolution for scholars across a wide array of intersecting disciplines, including primatology, paleoanthropology, vertebrate morphology, evolutionary developmental biology and health sciences.

Human Evolution

Human Evolution PDF

Author: George D. Brown

Publisher: WCB/McGraw-Hill

Published: 1995

Total Pages: 292

ISBN-13: 9780697243072

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

This work is intended for use with supporting material in an introductory level, multidisciplinary college course. Its audience are students who are not majoring in one of the sciences directly pertaining to human origins, e.g. biology, geology, and anthropology.... This text provide[s] a better understanding of the fundamental aspects of human evolution by placing them in an integrated context with all of nature. -Pref.

The Artificial Ape

The Artificial Ape PDF

Author: Timothy Taylor

Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Published: 2010-07-20

Total Pages: 258

ISBN-13: 023010973X

DOWNLOAD EBOOK →

A breakthrough theory that tools and technology are the real drivers of human evolution Although humans are one of the great apes, along with chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans, we are remarkably different from them. Unlike our cousins who subsist on raw food, spend their days and nights outdoors, and wear a thick coat of hair, humans are entirely dependent on artificial things, such as clothing, shelter, and the use of tools, and would die in nature without them. Yet, despite our status as the weakest ape, we are the masters of this planet. Given these inherent deficits, how did humans come out on top? In this fascinating new account of our origins, leading archaeologist Timothy Taylor proposes a new way of thinking about human evolution through our relationship with objects. Drawing on the latest fossil evidence, Taylor argues that at each step of our species' development, humans made choices that caused us to assume greater control of our evolution. Our appropriation of objects allowed us to walk upright, lose our body hair, and grow significantly larger brains. As we push the frontiers of scientific technology, creating prosthetics, intelligent implants, and artificially modified genes, we continue a process that started in the prehistoric past, when we first began to extend our powers through objects. Weaving together lively discussions of major discoveries of human skeletons and artifacts with a reexamination of Darwin's theory of evolution, Taylor takes us on an exciting and challenging journey that begins to answer the fundamental question about our existence: what makes humans unique, and what does that mean for our future?