This is the first volume to address directly the question of the speciation of modern Homo sapiens. The subject raises profound questions about the nature of the species, our defining characteristic (it is suggested it is language), and the brain changes and their genetic basis that make us distinct. The British Academy and the Academy of Medical Sciences have brought together experts from palaeontology, archaeology, linguistics, psychology, genetics and evolutionary theory to present evidence and theories at the cutting edge of our understanding of these issues.
Palaeontological and genetic work suggests that the transition from a precursor hominid species to modern man took place between 100,000 and 150,000 years ago. Some contributors discuss what is most characteristic of the species, focussing on language and its possible basis in brain lateralization. This work is placed in the context of speciation theory, which has remained a subject of considerable debate since the evolutionary synthesis of Mendelian genetics and Darwinian theory. The timing of specific transitions in hominid evolution is discussed, as also is the question of the neural basis of language. Other contributors address the possible genetic nature of the transition, with reference to changes on the X and Y chromosomes that may account for sex differences in lateralization and verbal ability. These differences are discussed in terms of the theory of sexual selection, and with reference to the mechanisms of speciation.
These essays will be vital reading for anyone interested in the nature and origins of the species, and specifically human abilities.
| ISBN: | 9780197263112 |
| Publication date: | 8th January 2004 |
| Author: | T J Crow, British Academy |
| Publisher: | The British Academy an imprint of Liverpool University Press |
| Format: | Paperback |
| Pagination: | 265 pages |
| Series: | Proceedings of the British Academy |
| Genres: |
Evolutionary anthropology / Human evolution Evolution Genetics (non-medical) Ethology and animal behaviour Cognitivism, cognitive theory Experimental psychology Cognition and cognitive psychology Archaeology by period / region Palaeontology |
This is the first volume to address directly the question of the speciation of modern Homo sapiens. The subject raises profound questions about the nature of the species, our defining characteristic (it is suggested it is language), and the brain changes and their genetic basis that make us distinct. The British Academy and the Academy of Medical Sciences have brought together experts from palaeontology, archaeology, linguistics, psychology, genetics and evolutionary theory to present evidence and theories at the cutting edge of our understanding of these issues.
Palaeontological and genetic work suggests that the transition from a precursor hominid species to modern man took place between 100,000 and 150,000 years ago. Some contributors discuss what is most characteristic of the species, focussing on language and its possible basis in brain lateralization. This work is placed in the context of speciation theory, which has remained a subject of considerable debate since the evolutionary synthesis of Mendelian genetics and Darwinian theory. The timing of specific transitions in hominid evolution is discussed, as also is the question of the neural basis of language. Other contributors address the possible genetic nature of the transition, with reference to changes on the X and Y chromosomes that may account for sex differences in lateralization and verbal ability. These differences are discussed in terms of the theory of sexual selection, and with reference to the mechanisms of speciation.
These essays will be vital reading for anyone interested in the nature and origins of the species, and specifically human abilities.
The Speciation of Modern Homo Sapiens features in the following genres: Evolutionary anthropology / Human evolution, Evolution, Genetics (non-medical), Ethology and animal behaviour, Cognitivism, cognitive theory, Experimental psychology, Cognition and cognitive psychology, Archaeology by period / region, Palaeontology
The Speciation of Modern Homo Sapiens is available in Paperback, Hardback
The Speciation of Modern Homo Sapiens was written by T J Crow, British Academy and published by The British Academy an imprint of Liverpool University Press
The Speciation of Modern Homo Sapiens has 265 pages
Yes it is part of Proceedings of the British Academy series
£22.50