Human Evolution: A Very Short Introduction

By Bernard Wood

Book Overview

This Very Short Introduction traces the history of paleoanthropology from its beginnings in the eighteenth century to the latest fossil finds. Although concentrating on the fossil evidence for human evolution, it also covers the latest genetic evidence about regional variations in the modern human genome that relate to our evolutionary history. Bernard Wood draws on over thirty years of experience to provide an insider's view of the field and some of the personalities in it, and demonstrates that our understanding of human evolution is critically dependent on advances in related sciences such as paleoclimatology, geochronology, systematics, genetics, and developmental biology.

ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0198831749
• ISBN13: 9780198831747
• Release Date: August 2019
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 160 Pages
• Weight: 0.30 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.5" x 4.3" x 6.8"

Customer Reviews

Human Evolution A Very Short Review

I ordered this book in the evening, and received it two days later. The book looked like it had never been used. I hope this seller continues to offer items to sell. Will look to buy from them again.

Outstanding!

An impressively thorough and concise narrative. Keeps one's attention and is fact filled. Instantly made me a "Very Short Introduction" fan.

Short, detailed and up-to-date.

This book is everything that the VSI (Very Short Introductions) are supposed to be: it's short, it's to the point and it's up-to-date. It reviews all the major events in the history of thought on human evolution, as well as all the major landmarks of that evolution as we understand them today. When there are several differing interpretations of fossil evidence, Wood impartially points out all the strengths and weaknesses of different positions. Although this is not a book on evolution in general, the early chapters position human evolution within the context of primate evolution, and even more briefly, under the evolution of life. For the review of evolution in general, "Evolution: A Very Short Introduction" would be an excellent choice.

Very Good Introduction

Valdivielso's review has it right. This is a tightly and carefully organized summary, and it requires careful reading. In addition, each chapter ends with a valuable "Points to Watch," which alert readers to on-going debates and uncertainties. Bravo!

Short, detailed and small.

Human Evolution by Bernard Wood is just the facts and only the facts. At 131 pages this is all the updated information about human related fossils, up to the year 2005, and the debates about what they mean. The book starts out explaining about the Tree Of Life, what fossils are, how they are found and how they are used as evidence. Everything is clear and crisp, Mr. Wood treats the reader to a lesson in paleoanthropology, without moving too swiftly but without talking down to the reader. Can be finished in a day or two, no problem. Great for people new to the subject or as a small guide for those on the go.