The first encyclopedic history of physical anthropology
Physical anthropology is the comparative study of humans as
biological organisms, their evolution, and their physiological and
anatomical functions. The discipline also encompasses the study of
the origins, evolution, behavior, and ecology of primates. Now a
first-of-its-kind reference work surveys this complex discipline
and summarizes and organizes its basic knowledge, fundamental
principles, and development in one easily accessible two-volume
set.
Unsurpassed, detailed, in-depth coverage of all topics
Most general articles are complemented by more specific primary
entries. For example, in paleoanthropology there are entries on
australopithecines, "Homo habilis, Homo erectus, " Neandertals, and
the origin of modern humans, as well as coverage that summarizes
the history of inquiries into the prehistory of Asia, Africa, the
Americas, Australasia, and Oceania. Similarly, from the broad
overview of "Primate fieldstudies," the reader can turn to other
entries on nonhuman primates listed according to their geographic
location and zoological status: African and Asian prosimian field
studies, African monkeys, African apes, Asian apes, Asian monkeys,
Japanese primate studies, Malagasy primates, Russian primate
studies, and New World monkeys.
Focuses on nations and individuals
An important part of the "Encyclopedia " deals with countries
throughout the world, from Albania to New Zealand, providing a
broad overview of the discipline's history from a
globalperspective. There are also capsule biographies of
individuals mentioned in the "Encyclopedia." Entries are
accompanied by bibliographies that cite primary and secondary
sources and offer information on the location of primary
archives.
Surveys key subdisciplines:
anthropometry * body composition studies * demography * dental
anthropology * dermatoglyphics * forensic anthropology * genetics *
growth studies * molecular anthropology * neuroanatomy *
paleoanthropology * paleoprimatology * primate field studies * and
others
Examines such theoretical issues as:
evolutionary theory * the development of paleoanthropological
theory * neo-Lamarckism * great chain of being * race concept
Special features:
The first encyclopedia to offer a descriptive and analytical
history of the entire discipline * Covers all key subdisciplines in
major entries * Surveys the field from a global perspective *
Bibliographies cite primary and secondary sources
General
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