Genes, Fossils and Behavior: An Integrated Approach to Human Evolution / Edition 1

by P. Donnaly

Overview

While the basic pattern of hominid evolution is well documented, the recent evolutionary history of homo sapiens is less clear. Application of molecular genetics techniques has great potential for resolving issues over this period, but as the complexity of such data increases, the quantitative methods used for its analysis are becoming more important. This phase is also one of the richest for biological and behavioural evidence derived from both fossils and archaeology. The book will contain expository and state-of-the-art research contributions from experts in these diverse areas, covering data and its interpretation, and experimental and analytical techniques.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9789051994490
Publisher:	IOS Press, Incorporated
Publication date:	01/28/2002
Series:	NATO Science Series , #310
Pages:	246
Product dimensions:	6.56(w) x 9.66(h) x 0.83(d)

Table of Contents

	Preface	v
	Towards an integrated approach to human evolution	1
	Genes, fossils and behaviour: when and where do they fit?	13
	Genome versus population understanding in human genetic studies	49
	Genetic variances within and between human groups	63
	Modern human origins in light of the nuclear DNA diversity in world populations	79
	HLA polymorphism and human evolution	99
	Alu insertion polymorphisms in humans: a review	111
	On detecting ancient admixture	123
	Ancestral inference from gene trees	137
	Genetic evolution in South Indian populations	173
	Estimating the contribution of Palaeolithic and Neolithic groups to the European gene pool	189
	Primate biology and behaviour: a template for human evolution?	205
	The anthropological, demographic and ecological context of human evolutionary genetics	223
	Author Index	246

Editorial Reviews

The September 1998 NATO Advanced Study Institute brought together contributors reflecting the multi-disciplinary nature of research into human origins and tackling the integration of such fields as genetics, archaeology, mathematical modelling, paleoecology, and paleoanthropology. Among the topics discussed in 13 contributions: genetic variances within and between human groups; HLA polymorphism; detecting ancient admixture; primate biology and behavior as a template for human evolution; and the anthropological, demographic, and ecological context of human evolutionary genetics. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR