The Human Species: An Introduction to Biological Anthropology

Now in a fully updated fourth edition, John Relethford's The Human Species: An Introduction To Biological Anthropology is divided into three major sections: Evolution and Diversity in Human Populations; Our Place in Nature; and Human Evolution. Updated coverage of the fossil record focuses on broad general groups of early hominids; principles of miroevolution show shown as they apply to the modern human species; the concept of race is thoroughly discussed from a biological and evolutionary perspective; and new interpretations of the number of species of early Homo and Neanderthal DNA are explored. The Human Species is an ideal introductory text for students of anthropology, and informative reading for any non-specialist general reader with an interest in the contemporary status of research in human evolution today.

This book was required for my Intro to Anthropology class. It was easy to read and follow. Since the class was a required general education class, I had to go into the class with an open mind about what I was required to learn. I did not feel as if the book was attempting to influence my thoughts or beliefs. The book is organized effeciently and productively. I did not get bored reading it.

I am an archaeology professor who has used this book as a text in my human origins class. No, it is not a mystery-scifi read - but it does a quite decent job with a difficult topic.