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50 Great Myths of Human Evolution

Understanding Misconceptions about Our Origins
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
50 Great Myths of Human Evolution challenges widespread misconceptions about human evolution, offering clear explanations grounded in fossil, archaeological, and genetic evidence. Through stand-alone essays, the book explores topics ranging from basic evolutionary theory to recent scientific advances, illuminating how our understanding of human origins evolves with new discoveries. Debunked myths include the ideas that humans coexisted with dinosaurs, that "Lucy" was a child, and that brain size directly correlates with intelligence.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

This book is ideal for lay readers and students interested in anthropology, evolution, and critical thinking. Its accessible essays and detailed footnotes make it suitable both for casual reading and deeper study, particularly for those seeking to clarify common misunderstandings about human evolution.

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50 Great Myths of Human Evolution uses common misconceptions to explore basic theory and research in human evolution and strengthen critical thinking skills for lay readers and students.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

50 Great Myths of Human Evolution uses common misconceptions to explore basic theory and research in human evolution and strengthen critical thinking skills for lay readers and students.

Examines intriguing—yet widely misunderstood—topics, from general ideas about evolution and human origins to the evolution of modern humans and recent trends in the field.

Describes what fossils, archaeology, and genetics can tell us about human origins.

Demonstrates the ways in which science adapts and changes over time to incorporate new evidence and better explanations.

Includes myths such as “Humans lived at the same time as dinosaurs,” “Lucy was so small because she was a child,” “Our ancestors have always made fire,” and “There is a strong relationship between brain size and intelligence.”

Comprised of stand-alone essays that are perfect for casual reading, as well as footnotes and references that allow readers to delve more deeply into topics.

Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780470673928

Publisher: John Wiley and Sons Ltd

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 13 January 2017

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Wiley-Blackwell

Audience: Tertiary education

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 13.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 226.0mm

Weight: 386g

Pages: 304

About the Author

John H. Relethford is Distinguished Teaching Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the State University of New York College at Oneonta, USA, where he has taught since 1981. He is a biological anthropologist specializing in human population genetics, human variation, and the evolution of modern humans. He is a former President and Vice-President of the American Association of Physical Anthropologists, former Vice President and President of the American Association of Anthropological Genetics, and a Fellow and Former Chair of Section H (Anthropology) of the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He has over 170 publications, including several books, over 80 peer-reviewed journal articles, and over 25 book chapters. Most recently, he is the author of The Human Species: An Introduction to Biological Anthropology (9th edition, 2013), Human Population Genetics (Wiley-Blackwell, 2012), and co-author of Human Biological Variation (2nd edition, 2011).

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