Bioarchaeology: Interpreting Behavior from the Human Skeleton (Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology, Series Number 21) - Softcover

Larsen, Clark Spencer

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0521658349 ISBN 13: 9780521658348

Publisher: Cambridge University Press, 1999

Synopsis

Human remains recovered from archaeological sites can help us interpret lifetime events such as disease, physiological stress, injury and violent death, physical activity, tooth use, diet, and demographic history of once-living populations. This is the first comprehensive synthesis of the emerging field of bioarchaeology. A central theme is the interaction between biology and behavior, underscoring the dynamic nature of skeletal and dental tissues, and the influences of environment and culture on human biological variation. It emphasizes research results and their interpretation, covering palaeopathology, physiological stress, skeletal and dental growth and structure, and the processes of aging and biodistance. It will be a unique resource for students and researchers interested in biological and physical anthropology or archaeology.

About this title

Book Description

Bioarchaeology is the study of human remains from archaeological sites. Human bones and teeth provide a huge amount of information about the health and lifestyle of past populations. These tissues record a cumulative history of disease, physiological stress, trauma, activity patterns, diet, nutrition, and many other factors that constitute the life history of both the individual and population. This is the first comprehensive synthesis of the subject and will be an indispensable reference for all those interested in biological anthropology and archaeology.

About the Author

Clark Spencer Larsen is the Distinguished Professor of Social and Behavioral Sciences and Chair of the Department of Anthropology at Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. His research is primarily focussed on biocultural adaptation in the last 10,000 years of human evolution, with particular emphasis on the history of health, well-being, and lifestyle. He collaborates internationally in the study of ancient skeletons in order to track health changes since the late Paleolithic. He is the author of 200 scientific articles and has authored or edited 30 books and monographs.

Edition details

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Publication date: 1999
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0521658349
• ISBN 13: 9780521658348
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 476