Handbook of Evolutionary Research in Archaeology

Evolutionary Research in Archaeology provides a comprehensive overview of contemporary evolutionary research in archaeology, organized around four areas of critical research. It will offer a single source for introduction and overview of basic and advanced evolutionary concepts and research programs.

Format: Hardback
Length: 443 pages
Publication date: 14 June 2019
Publisher: Springer Nature Switzerland AG

Archaeology's evolutionary research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary evolutionary studies within the field. This book will serve as a single reference point for both introductory and advanced understanding of evolutionary concepts and research programs in archaeology. The content will be structured around four critical research areas: microevolutionary and macroevolutionary processes, human ecology studies (including evolutionary ecology, demography, and niche construction), and evolutionary cognitive archaeology. Each chapter authored by experts in the field will address theoretical foundations, historical developments, contemporary contributions, and ongoing debates related to their respective topics. Additionally, authors will present or discuss short empirical case studies to illustrate key arguments and illustrate the practical applications of evolutionary research in archaeology. By exploring these diverse aspects, the book aims to shed light on the rich tapestry of human evolution and its significance in understanding our past.
Archaeology's evolutionary research aims to provide a comprehensive overview of contemporary evolutionary studies within the field. This book will serve as a single reference point for both introductory and advanced understanding of evolutionary concepts and research programs in archaeology. The content will be structured around four critical research areas: microevolutionary and macroevolutionary processes, human ecology studies (including evolutionary ecology, demography, and niche construction), and evolutionary cognitive archaeology. Each chapter authored by experts in the field will address theoretical foundations, historical developments, contemporary contributions, and ongoing debates related to their respective topics. Additionally, authors will present or discuss short empirical case studies to illustrate key arguments and illustrate the practical applications of evolutionary research in archaeology. By exploring these diverse aspects, the book aims to shed light on the rich tapestry of human evolution and its significance in understanding our past.

The study of human evolution through archaeology is known as evolutionary research. It aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development and diversification of human societies over time. Evolutionary research in archaeology focuses on various aspects, including the study of human genetics, fossil evidence, cultural evolution, and behavioral patterns. One of the key goals of evolutionary research in archaeology is to identify the factors that have influenced the evolution of human societies. This includes examining the environmental conditions, technological advancements, social structures, and cultural practices that have shaped human behavior and development. By studying these factors, evolutionary researchers can gain insights into the processes that have led to the diversity of human societies and the unique characteristics that distinguish different cultures.

Another important aspect of evolutionary research in archaeology is the study of human genetics. By analyzing the DNA of ancient humans and modern populations, evolutionary researchers can identify genetic mutations and variations that have occurred over time. This information can help us understand the genetic basis of human traits and diseases, as well as the processes that have led to the evolution of different populations. For example, evolutionary researchers have used genetic data to identify the origins of modern humans and to trace the migration of early human populations across the world.

Fossil evidence is also an important source of information for evolutionary research in archaeology. By studying the remains of ancient humans and other species, evolutionary researchers can gain insights into the physical characteristics and behaviors of these organisms. Fossil evidence can help us identify the evolutionary relationships between different species and the processes that have led to their extinction. For example, evolutionary researchers have used fossil evidence to identify the ancestors of modern humans and to trace the evolution of human physical characteristics such as bipedalism and tool use.

Cultural evolution is another important aspect of evolutionary research in archaeology. By studying the changes in cultural practices and artifacts over time, evolutionary researchers can gain insights into the processes that have led to the development of complex societies and the emergence of new technologies. Cultural evolution can also help us understand the factors that have influenced the spread of cultural practices and the evolution of cultural diversity. For example, evolutionary researchers have used cultural evolution to study the development of agriculture and the rise

In conclusion, evolutionary research in archaeology is a multidisciplinary field that combines the study of human genetics, fossil evidence, cultural evolution, and behavioral patterns to provide a comprehensive understanding of the development and diversification of human societies. By examining these various aspects, evolutionary researchers can gain insights into the processes that have led to the diversity of human societies.

Weight: 1026g
Dimension: 186 x 256 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9783030111168
Edition number: 1st ed. 2019