Modern Humans (Humans: An Evolutionary History)
by Rebecca Stefoff /
2015 / English / PDF
11.7 MB Download
Emphasizing genetics research, the fourth volume in the "Humans: An Evolutionary History" series explores scientists' efforts to identify which extinct human species are ancestors of Homo sapiens. They seek answers explaining why Homo sapiens is the only human species to survive. Readers learn that females transmit mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) useful for comprehending human evolution. Studies described include analysis of mtDNA specimens from modern humans representing diverse geographical areas and ethnic groups by Allan Wilson, Rebecca Cann, and Mark Stoneking who devised a phylogeny based on a common female ancestor they called mitochondrial Eve. Bryan Sykes's mtDNA research identified genetic profiles of seven ancient women he described as mitochondrial Eve's daughters from which people with European ancestry are descended. Scientists conducting Y chromosome studies theorized a common ancient male ancestor existed, referring to him as Y-chromosome Adam. Modern humans are linked genetically to these ancient ancestors. Description of unusual human fossil discoveries introduces Liang Bua I and Flores Island hobbits and their unknown role in human evolution. Scientists contemplate what cave art and artifacts found with human fossils might reveal about those people's cognition, language, and behavior. This book concludes with discussion of ongoing human evolution. The book includes illustrations, maps, charts, a human evolution timeline, a chronology, a glossary, a bibliography, and endnotes. Supplement with research news announced after this book's publication such as DNA tests providing information regarding Charles Darwin's ancient human ancestors. Reviewer: Elizabeth D. Schafer
