Description
Sex and Cohabitation Among Early Humans: Anthropological and Genetic Evidence for Interbreeding Among Early Humans explores the available information regarding interbreeding among different ancestral human species. In addition, it reviews evidence in support of cohabitation as well as cultural and technological interactions and exchanges among early humans, particularly Neanderthal-sapiens interactions. The fields of archaeology, anthropology, genetics, linguistics and molecular evolution have provided a wealth of information on the complex processes involved in human evolution.The book will help readers will develop knowledge on the complexity and multiplicity of hominins, including Homo heidelbergensis, Homo sapiens, and Homo floresiensis. Moreover, the book will help them reach a greater understanding of major topics, such as introgression, migration from Africa, the origin, development and extinction of Neanderthals, interbreeding between Neanderthals and humans, and trait continuity.- Integrates genetic, evolutionary, anthropological, archaeological, anatomical, artistic and linguistic research, among other areas- Written in a simple and direct style that is accessible to readers from different backgrounds and levels of understanding- Provides an integrative and holistic overview of recent developments in research on how different interactions between ancient hominins contributed to the evolution of our species
Table of Contents
1. The Complexity and Multiplicity of Hominins in Africa and Asia2. The Species Concept and the Reality of Introgression3. Tools Used to Study Hominin Evolution4. The First Out of Africa Migrants5. Neanderthal Origin and Fossil Record6. Neanderthal DNA7. Neanderthal Habitat, Culture, Language and Intellect8. To What Extent Neanderthals and Modern Humans Interacted9. Evidence for Interbreeding Between of Neanderthals and Humans10. The Extinction of Neanderthals11. Gene Flow Involving Denisovans and Humans12. The Mysterious Ancestor of Contemporary Asian and Oceanic Populations13. Anatomical and Cultural Continuity between Homo erectus and Humans14. Interactions between Homo heidelbergensis and sapiens in the Indian Subcontinent15. Interactions Involving Homo floresiensis16. Ancient Hominins Interbred Extensively and Regularly in Africa17. Continuity of Traits Among Hominins in Asia and Oceania
