Matt Cartmill & Fred H. Smith 
The Human Lineage 

‘This textbook, aimed at advanced undergraduates and postgraduates
in paleoanthropology courses, tackles a rather difficult
task–that of presenting the substantial body of
paleontological, genetic, geological and archaeological evidence
regarding human evolution, and the associated scientific history,
in a logical and readable way without sacrificing either clarity or
detail… the sheer quality of the writing and explanatory
synthesis in this book will undoubtedly make it a valuable resource
for students for many years.’

–Paleo Anthropology, 2010



This book focuses on the last ten million years of human
history, from the hominoid radiations to the emergence and
diversification of modern humanity. It draws upon the fossil record
to shed light on the key scientific issues, principles, methods,
and history in paleoanthropology. The book proceeds through the
fossil record of human evolution by historical stages representing
the acquisition of major human features that explain the success
and distinctive properties of modern Homo sapiens.

Key features:

* Provides thorough coverage of the fossil record and sites, with
data on key variables such as cranial capacity and body size
estimates

* Offers a balanced, critical assessment of the interpretative
models explaining pattern in the fossil record

* Each chapter incorporates a ‘Blind Alley’ box focusing on once
prevalent ideas now rejected such as the arboreal theory,
seed-eating, single-species hypothesis, and Piltdown man

* Promotes critical thinking by students while allowing
instructors flexibility in structuring their teaching

* Densely illustrated with informative, well-labelled anatomical
drawings and photographs

* Includes an annotated bibliography for advanced inquiry

Written by established leaders in the field, providing depth of
expertise on evolutionary theory and anatomy through to functional
morphology, this textbook is essential reading for all advanced
undergraduate students and beginning graduate students in
biological anthropology.

About the author

Matt Cartmill is a Professor in the Department of Biological
Anthropology and Anatomy at Duke University. His areas of interest
include: Bipedal locomotion, Gait analysis, and Origin and
differentiation of primates in addition to several other subjects.

Fred H. Smith is a biological antrhopologist with
specific interests in human paleontology and functional anatomy. He
teaches courses in human paleontology, human osteology,
introductory biological anthropology, and the paleolithis
prehistory of Europe and Africa.