Abstract

An anthropologist and an anatomist have combined their skills in this book to provide students and research workers with the essentials of anatomy and the means to apply these to investigations into hominid form and function. Using basic principles and relevant bones, conclusions can be reached regarding the probable musculature, stance, brain size, age, weight, and sex of a particular fossil specimen. The sort of deductions which are possible are illustrated by reference back to contemporary apes and humans, and a coherent picture of the history of hominid evolution appears. Written in a clear and concise style and beautifully illustrated, An Introduction to Human Evolutionary Anatomy is a basic reference for all concerned with human evolution as well as a valuable companion to both laboratory practical sessions and new research using fossil skeletons.
"This outstanding contribution is anything but just another anatomy book. Aiello and Dean have filled a major gap in the literature of human evolution with this textbook of functional morphology for fossil hominids and modern great apes. Its uniqueness lies in a complete emphasis on subjects of concern in paleoanthropology, the use of an explicitly comparative approach, and a detailed discussion of the fossil record... Aiello and Dean have done a superb job. For human evolutionary anatomy, the state of the art has been measurably enhanced."
--AMERICAN ANTHROPOLOGIST
"This extraordinary book combines the two related studies of human anatomy and human paleontology... [Aiello and Dean] weave the two subjects together and produce a text that not only is filled with information but is easily usable... It is especially useful that the authors have included an introductory section on taxonomy and classification... It is a book that I believe everyone interested in human evolution should own. My final comment is that if I had to make a selection of limited items to take with me to the field where I would be studying or searching for hominid fossils, this book would be on my list."
--BECKY A. SIGMON, University of Toronto
"A highly innovative hybrid between textbook and extended review, that will be an essential resource for advanced undergraduates and researchers in any related field...Aiello and Dean have performed a major feat in bringing together in the compass of one volume such a mass of information. A couple of hours with Aiello and Dean will save the researcher days and weeks in the library. I believe it will come to be regarded as one of the most important resources for anyone framing a new research project in early hominid studies."
--THE TIMES HIGHER EDUCATION SUPPLEMENT
"Its unique blend of anatomy and paleontology will be extremely useful for a wide range of students and researchers in anthropology, anatomy, and paleontology....After reading through the vast array of topics covered by this book, one can't help but feel that the authors and the illustrator have done us a great service."
--Mark F. Teaford, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, in AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY