Humans: The Evolution of a Species

Humans – who are we?

Physically, Homo sapiens is unremarkable in the animal world – a hairless ape. But somehow, in combination, our characteristics make us remarkable. With our dexterity and brain power, we discovered ways of finding food and beating the elements not only in our home on the African savanna, but in every habitat from jungle to Arctic waste. Humans tells the story of our evolution with beautiful illustrations of our seemingly ordinary anatomy alongside colourful, mind-expanding graphics of what we have achieved with it.

This book is:

• shaped and guided by broadcaster and expert in anatomy and archaeology, Professor Alice Roberts
• written by an international team of experts in many fields of human evolution, including archaeology, palaeontology, anthropology, and cognitive science
• built from chapters about the evolution of different parts of the body, giving an instant, familiar way in to the topic

This thought-provoking book presents the latest advances in understanding human evolution, challenging old myths and baked-in misconceptions – all through the lens of the human body. Each chapter tackles a different body part, showing how it has evolved and the role it has played. The story of hands, for instance, begins with the first animals with limbs, which clambered onto land 375 million years ago, but goes on to show how humans use the unique precision and power in their grasping digits – and their ability to teach one another skills – to create ever-more sophisticated technology.

Visually vibrant and rich, this book features not only beautiful illustrations, but also photos of prehistoric art, tools, jewellery, and recreations of all of these made by experimental archaeologists.

Humans asks intriguing universal questions about our origins and nature. When did we invent clothes? Did we always form pair bonds? How did prehistoric people cross the ocean? Are we the only animals to become self-aware?

Find out who we are, where we come from, and perhaps – where we’re going.

EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Alice Roberts originally trained as a medical doctor before becoming a university lecturer. While teaching anatomy at Bristol University, she developed a research interest in biological anthropology. She is now Professor of Public Engagement in Science at the University of Birmingham, and Director of Anatomy for the NHS Severn Deanery School of Surgery. She is an Honorary Fellow of the British Science Association and the Society of Biology. Part of the original team on BBC2's Coast, Alice went on to host a range of BBC programs, including The Incredible Human Journey and Origins of Us. Alice is the author of the Sunday Times no.1 best seller, Crypt (2024), completing a trilogy that began with Ancestors (2021) and Buried (2022).