The accumulated past that is revealed by the fossil record represents only a small portion of living organisms that lived and died in the past. That record provides a window into what our ancestors looked like, and also helps define their relationship to other ancient ancestors and to us. Uncovering the past is a complex task requiring a multidisciplinary approach. Chapter 8 discusses Palaeoanthropology, defined as the field of anthropology involving the study of primate and human evolution in the broadest possible sense. The importance of other disciplines, and their contributions to Palaeoanthropology, as part of a multidisciplinary approach to human evolution is considered.

The first part of the chapter considers various techniques for studying and interpreting the fossil record, including absolute and relative dating methods and their application to certain archaeological materials and other site-specific variables.

In the second part of the chapter, reconstruction of the past and methods for interpreting fossil remains of our ancestors is covered. Identification and variation in species and fossil evidence for doing so is discussed. Experimental Archaeology and the use of nonhuman primate models for behavior are explained.

The third section of the chapter begins a discussion of life before primates and the geological eons and eras leading up to the emergence of our mammalian ancestry. The fossil record for primate and human evolution is outlined, which continues through the next four chapters. The relatively short geological time frame and the importance of considering primate and human evolution from earlier mammals are emphasized. The discussion centers on geological time periods and significant events during which each gave rise to certain life forms.