Blackwell Reference Online

A Companion to Biological Anthropology provides an extensive overview of the rapidly growing field of biological anthropology. Chapters are written by leading authorities who have themselves played a major role in shaping the direction and scope of the discipline. Each contribution provides comprehensive discussions of current issues, as well as of controversies and future directions within the field.

A Companion to Biological Anthropology opens with an in-depth overview of the beginnings of biological anthropology; followed by analysis of all major areas of investigation, including the evolutionary biology of the human species, the fossil record, genetics of individuals and of populations, our primate relatives, human adaptation and variation, human behavior, forensic anthropology, and other key areas. Authors present thorough assessments of the many recent innovations and discoveries that are transforming the field. The result is a work that provides both a highly authoritative guide for professional biological anthropologists, human biologists, medical and forensic specialists, as well as an accessible reference work for students seeking to learn more about this exciting field.