The Evolution of the Primate Hand

Beschreibung

This book demonstrates how the primate hand combines both primitive and novel morphology, both general function with specialization, and both a remarkable degree of diversity within some clades and yet general similarity across many others. Across the chapters, different authors have addressed a variety of specific questions and provided their perspectives, but all explore the main themes described above to provide an overarching “primitive primate hand” thread to the book. Each chapter provides an in-depth review and critical account of the available literature, a balanced interpretation of the evidence from a variety of perspectives, and prospects for future research questions. In order to make this a useful resource for researchers at all levels, the basic structure of each chapter is the same, so that information can be easily consulted from chapter to chapter. An extensive reference list is provided at the end of each chapter so the reader has additional resources to address morespecific questions or to find specific data. 
This book demonstrates how the primate hand combines both primitive and novel morphology, both general function with specialization, and both a remarkable degree of diversity within some clades and yet general similarity across many others. Across the chapters, different authors have addressed a variety of specific questions and provided their perspectives, but all explore the main themes described above to provide an overarching “primitive primate hand” thread to the book. Each chapter provides an in-depth review and critical account of the available literature, a balanced interpretation of the evidence from a variety of perspectives, and prospects for future research questions. In order to make this a useful resource for researchers at all levels, the basic structure of each chapter is the same, so that information can be easily consulted from chapter to chapter. An extensive reference list is provided at the end of each chapter so the reader has additional resources to addressmore specific questions or to find specific data. 
Covers all primate clades, from strepsirrhines to hominoids, and from the earliest primate fossils and close relatives to the evolution of modern Homo sapiens Provides an in-depth review and critical account of the available literature on primate morphology Addresses primate evolution in a straightforward, accessible language with data-rich tables and illustrations that will serve as a comprehensive guide for any researcher interested in the primate hand

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Tracy L. Kivell

Themen in »The Evolution of the Primate Hand«

Primates Morphology Hand Musculature Biomechanics Paleontology

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“Biological anthropologists and anatomists will find this book indispensable as a reference. The figures and illustrations are excellent, and the chapters are rich in primary data that could be used for original research or class projects. The chapters are detailed yet easy to read. Careful attention to terminology, emphasized with highlighted text, provides important conceptual clarification that will guide future research.” (Vivek V. Venkataraman, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 93 (03), September, 2018)

“The editors and contributors have produced a comprehensive, state-of-the-art volume on primate hand anatomy, function, and evolution that focuses on both primitive and derived features of primate hands. … the approachable text is enhanced with numerous tables and illustrations. This work is highly recommended for upper-division undergraduates through professionals in primatology and biological anthropology. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Upper-division undergraduates through professionals.” (E. J. Sargis, Choice, Vol. 54 (7), March, 2017)

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