Unlike all the other brief books on the market, this is not an abridged version of a longer text. Its presentation is fluid, well integrated, and covers all the standard topics in a carefully managed level of detail.
Well-paced explanations, an inviting tone, and examples of the everyday uses of biological anthropology make the text a pleasure for students to read.
The text emphasizes themes and theories: facts are presented as supportive evidence rather than dissociated pieces of information. Important topics--e.g., the origins of bipedalism and the evolution of modern Homo sapiens--are discussed at length to provide extended examples of how scientists generate and test hypotheses.
The text has a unique focus on scientific inquiry. As one instructor said, “It teaches what science is and how it works to a general, nonspecialist student ... in a straightforward, common-sense manner that is interesting and readable.... It is an outstanding effort to make our field more accessible.”
Abundant pedagogical aids increase the accessibility of the text: Questions at the beginnings of chapters help students consider what they are about to read. Chapter summaries not only provide recaps, but also offer students bits of new information that make them think about connections with previously read material. A running glossary with pronunciation guide defines important terms the first time they appear in the text. A Glossary of Human and Nonhuman Primates with pronunciation guide provides capsule overviews of the species described in the text. A list of suggested readings at the end of each chapter tells students where to find more information about the topics discussed.
Detailed, colorful charts and drawings, as well as full color photographs, increase students’ understanding of the text.
To obtain an instructor login for this Online Learning Center, ask your local sales representative.
If you're an instructor thinking about adopting this textbook, request a free copy for review.
2005 McGraw-Hill Higher Education