Human Adaptation

. Ed(s): Harrison, G. A.; Morphy, Howard

ISBN 10: 185973958X / ISBN 13: 9781859739587

Published by Routledge, 1998

About this Item

Examining the concept of adaptation, this text covers genetic aspects; physiological changes which occur when individuals move to another environment; behaviour - especially social behaviour; and the relevance of the adaptation concept to the social sciences and especially to social anthropology. Editor(s): Harrison, G. A.; Morphy, Howard. Num Pages: 192 pages, bibliography, index. BIC Classification: JFC; JHMP; PSX. Category: (G) General (US: Trade); (P) Professional & Vocational. Dimension: 159 x 234 x 13. Weight in Grams: 276. . 1998. 1st Edition. paperback. . . . . Books ship from the US and Ireland.

Seller Inventory # V9781859739587

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Human Adaptation
• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication Date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 185973958X
• ISBN 13: 9781859739587
• Binding: Soft cover
• Condition: New

About this title

Synopsis

This book examines the concept of adaptation in four major fields in the human sciences. Genetic aspects are first considered through an examination of the human genes which have so far been identified as conferring survival value in particular environmental circumstances. The drift versus selection argument is also fully reviewed. The second contribution concerns the physiological changes which occur when individuals move from one environment to another. In the past, most attention has been given to the mechanisms of these changes, but here the focus is on the effects. The third contribution is directed at the analysis of behaviour - especially social behaviour. The application of kin selection and reciprocal attraction theories to humans is explored and the value of these approaches explained, whether the behaviour has a genetic basis or not. The final essay deals with the relevance of the adaptation concept to the social sciences and especially to social anthropology. It demonstrates that an ecological approach to understanding the nature and structure of human societies demands attention to adaptation.Reprinted in paperback for the first time and with a new foreword, this book, which serves as an excellent teaching text, clearly shows how attempts at integration in each of these various fields can benefit the study of human evolution, social structure and organization from all perspectives.

About the Author

G. A. Harrison University of Oxford and Emeritus Fellow of Linacre College Howard Morphy Director of the Centre for Cross-Cultural Research,Australian National University