Description

This text explores human biological variation in its broadest sense--from the molecular to the physiological and morphological--focusing on the micro-evolutionary analysis of genetic variation among recent human populations. Authoritative yet accessible, Human Biological Variation opens with an introduction to basic genetics and the evolutionary forces that set the stage for understanding human diversity. It goes on to offer a detailed and clear discussion of molecular genetics and its uses and relationship to anthropological and evolutionary models. The text features up-to-date discussions of "classic" genetic markers (blood groups, enzymes, and proteins), along with extensive background on DNA analysis and detailed coverage of satellite DNA, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), Alu inserts, and the coalescent model. The book addresses such current issues as the meaning and significance of "race," quantitative genetics and the "nature versus nurture" debates, biocultural interactions, population structure, and cultural and historical influences on patterns of human variation.
Human Biological Variation lucidly explains the use of probability and statistics in studies of human variation and adaptation, keeping the mathematics at the level of basic algebra. It also presents computer simulations in a manner that makes complex issues easily understandable. Integrating examples on topics that are of particular interest to students--including dyslexia, IQ, and homosexuality--Human Biological Variation provides the most thorough view of our biological diversity and is ideal for upper-level undergraduate and graduate classes on human adaptation and variation.

Reviews

"This basic primer on human variation gives the basic tools to understand the many practical applications of an understanding of human biological variation. . . .this wonderful volume is highly recommended for its thorough and up-to-date coverage."-- Joan C. Stevenson, Book Review Editor, American Journal of Human Biology , 18: 725 (2006)

Advance Praise: "I find Human Biological Variation to be a superb textbook that I would immediately adopt for my class. . . . I have reviewed a number of textbooks in recent years and I can honestly say that I enjoyed reading this book more than any other I have reviewed. Simply put, this is a great text and a fun read."--Trenton Holliday, Tulane University

"The book goes beyond anything currently available . . . in its coverage and currency. I will definitely be adopting it at the earliest possible opportunity."--Robert Corruccini, Southern Illinois University

Product Details

432 pages; 151 halftones & line illus.; 6-1/2 x 9-1/4; ISBN13: 978-0-19-518871-4ISBN10: 0-19-518871-3

About the Author(s)