In The Improbable Primate, Clive Finlayson takes an ecological approach to our evolution, considering the origins of modern humans within the context of a drying climate and changing landscapes. Finlayson argues that environmental change, particularly availability of water, played a critical role in shaping the direction of human evolution, contributing to our spread and success. He asserts that our ancestors carved a niche for themselves by leaving the forest and forcing their way into a long-established community of carnivores in a tropical savannah as climate changes opened up the landscape. They took their chance at high noon, when most other predators were asleep. Adapting to this new lifestyle by shedding their hair and developing an active sweating system to keep cool, being close to fresh water was vital. As the climate dried, our ancestors, already bipedal, became taller and slimmer, more adept at travelling farther in search of water. The challenges of seeking water in a drying landscape moulded the minds and bodies of early humans, and directed their migrations and eventual settlements. In this fresh and provocative view of a seven-million-year evolutionary journey, Finlayson demonstrates the radical implications for the interpretation of fossils and technologies and shows that understanding humans within an ecological context provides insights into the emergence and spread of Homo sapiens worldwide.

Improbable Primate

Clive Finlayson

Oxford University Press

In this fresh and provocative view of a seven-million-year evolutionary journey, Finlayson demonstrates the radical implications for the interpretation of fossils and technologies and shows that understanding humans within an ecological context provides insights into the emergence and spread of Homo sapiens worldwide. Finlayson argues that environmental change, particularly availability of water, played a critical role in shaping the direction of human evolution, contributing to our spread and success. He argues that our ancestors carved a niche for themselves by leaving the forest and forcing their way into a long-established community of carnivores in a tropical savannah as climate changes opened up the landscape. They took their chance at high noon, when most other predators were asleep. Adapting to this new lifestyle by shedding their hair and developing an active sweating system to keep cool, being close to fresh water was vital. As the climate dried, our ancestors, already bipedal, became taller and slimmer, more adept at travelling farther in search of water. The challenges of seeking water in a drying landscape moulded the minds and bodies of early humans and directed their migrations and eventual settlements.The accompanying reference guide is included as a PDF on this disc.

Improbable Primate, The

History

Audible Studios on Brilliance Audio

El neandertal inteligente: Arte rupestre, captura de aves y revolución cognitiva (Spanish Edition)

Science & Math

Biological Sciences

Almuzara

<p>Comprising the major part of the southern Iberian peninsula, the al-Andalus region is seen by many as an area of outstanding natural beauty and rare wildlife - from the vision of a single Bearded Vulture soaring majestically in the sky to small herds of Spanish Ibex in mountain passes - its richness and diversity is unrivalled in Europe.Yet, less than 700 years ago, there were Bearded Vultures in every valley in the region, herds of Ibex roamed the cliffs and screes of the entire coast, and wild wolves prowled in the night.This evocative volume takes readers on a journey through the region, from the coast and green valleys to the mountains, showing how the land has changed - sometimes for better and sometimes for worse - but always drawing the reader's eye to the amazing sights that flawlessly capture the heart and soul of al-Andalus and its rich heritage.</p>

Al-Andalus

Travel

Europe

Santana Books

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Books by Clive Finlayson