The anthology "Companion to Human Evolution" features original articles on topics drawn from the entire scope of human evolution. The book presents alternate points of view from those of scientists engaged in specific aspects of research, and introduces students to the varying perspectives of those who study and reflect on human evolution.
The material addresses both the theoretical basis and the fossil record of evolution. Beginning with an overview of living primates and early fossil primates, the text then moves through the earliest hominins, Austrolopithecines, Homo erectus, Neanderthals, and early Homo sapiens. Specific topics include skeletal morphology, climatic adaptation, the evolution of walking, and dietary changes over time.
Through short, topical, accessible chapters, "Companion to Human Evolution" effectively familiarizes readers with diverse views that enrich and enhance material typically covered in courses on the subject. It serves as an excellent supplemental reader to standard textbooks.
Sally McBrearty earned her Ph.D. at the University of Illinois, Urbana. Dr. McBrearty is a professor and head of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Connecticut, Storrs. A noted archaeologist, she has directed field projects in East Africa for more than 25 years. Her professional writing has appeared in "Nature," and the "Journal of Human Evolution," among others. Her work has been supported by the National Science Foundation, the National Geographic Society, and the L.S.B. Leakey Foundation. In 2007 Dr. McBrearty was elected a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science.