Human Origins: What Bones and Genomes Tell Us About Ourselves (Anthropology): No. 13 (Anthropology Series) - Hardcover

"This book is the most readable, thorough, and up-to-date summary of human evolution I know, and I envy the successful effort to integrate traditional paleoanthropology with the growing contributions of molecular anthropology. No one interested in human evolution can afford to pass it by." --Richard Klein, Professor of Anthropological Sciences, Stanford University

"Through stimulating text and informative figures, DeSalle and Tattersall use their collective expertise in paleoanthropology and genomics to provide a fascinating overview of the science of human origins. The timing of this book could not be more compelling--as new technologies and scientific approaches are providing researchers unprecedented glimpses into the window of our own evolutionary history." --Eric Green, Scientific Director, National Human Genome Research Institute --Eric Green, Scientific Director, National Human Genome Research Institute, Na

"Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall successfully weave together the genetic and fossil evidence for one of nature's greatest experiments: the origins of humans. In this delightful and engaging book, they present incontestable proof for human evolution and document the riveting journey that led us from a common ancestor with the African apes to the emergence of modern humans. This is more than just a companion book to the American Museum of Natural History's Spitzer Hall of Human Origins. It is an insightful and welcome argument for our own evolutionary origins. Read this book and be rewarded. Understand your ancestry as never before." --Donald C. Johanson, Director, Institute of Human Origins

"Rob DeSalle and Ian Tattersall have teamed up to present an outstanding comprehensive review of modern human origins, incorporating recent breakthroughs in the fields of genetics, archeology, neuroscience, and paleoanthropology. The authors explain the history of the sequencing of the human genome and the methods used in both genetic and paleoanthropological studies in a manner that is accessible to a general audience but detailed enough for a specialist. They address a series of important questions such as 'What is it that distinguishes us from our closest living relative, the chimpanzee?' 'When and where did modern humans evolve?' 'What routes did they take as they migrated around the globe?' ' How have modern humans adapted, both genetically and culturally, to changing environments?' 'Why did Neanderthals become extinct?' and 'When and how did modern humans arrive in the New World?'" --Sarah Tishkoff, Associate Professor, Department of Biology, University of Maryland-Baltimore

"A truly synergistic analysis of human evolution, smoothly integrating the strengths of both genomics and paleoanthropology into a profoundly coherent and unique account of the human evolutionary saga. A first-of-its-kind intellectual tour de force!" --Niles Eldredge, author of Darwin: Discovering the Tree of Life--Niles Eldredge, author of Darwin: Discovering the Tree of Life

ROB DESALLE is co-director of the Molecular Systematics Laboratories and curator in the Division of Invertebrate Zoology, and IAN TATTERSALL is curator in the Division of Anthropology, both at the American Museum of Natural History in New York City.