Human Evolution (Single Title: Science: Genetics and Evolution)

Gardner, Robert

ISBN 10: 0531115283 ISBN 13: 9780531115282

Publisher: Franklin Watts, 1998

Synopsis

Where do scientists think human beings came from, and how did they come to those conclusions? Find out in this detailed account of the history and findings of paleoanthropology.

About this title

About the Author

Robert Gardner is an award-winning author of science books. He is a retired high school teacher of physics, chemistry, and physical sience. He lives with his wife, natalie, and enjoys writing, biking, and doing volunteer work.

Reviews

Gr 7 Up-Gardner sorts out the subtle but significant differences between humans and their fellow primates. Historical charts show what is known of hominid lineage, geologic periods, and human cultural development. Early chapters describe eight different methods used to date fossils, Darwin's and Lamarck's evolution theories, genetic structures, functions and mutations, and how fossil bones are judged to be ape or hominid. Descriptions of significant hominid fossil finds, who made them, and where and when they were found lead to questions concerning the age of humans. Two theories of human population spread are compared. The text, though broken into small sections occasionally relieved by black-and-white illustrations and photographs, can be tedious in its detail. Yet persistence to the end leads to exciting news of another significant fossil discovery made in April of 1999. Analysis of this find may help clarify the picture, which seems to become more complicated with each bit of evidence. A generous list of books, magazine articles, and Web sites encourages additional exploration. While this is a fine overview, other excellent treatments offer more numerous and colorful illustrations. Rod Caird's Ape Man (Macmillan, 1994) and Ian Tattersall's The Human Odyssey (Prentice Hall, 1993; o.p.), while not able to include the very latest data, present much of the same information in a more appealing format. They are as likely to be read for enjoyment as for information while Gardner's work is, comparatively, all business.-Ann G. Brouse, Big Flats Branch Library, NY

Copyright 2000 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: Franklin Watts
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0531115283
• ISBN 13: 9780531115282
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 144