Shaping Primate Evolution: Form, Function, and Behavior

Shaping Primate Evolution: Form, Function, and Behavior (Cambridge Studies in Biological and Evolutionary Anthropology)

Publisher: Cambridge University Press
Number Of Pages: 442
Publication Date: 2004-07-05
Sales Rank: 1959522
ISBN / ASIN: 0521811074
EAN: 9780521811071
Binding: Hardcover
Manufacturer: Cambridge University Press
Studio: Cambridge University Press
Average Rating: 5

This state-of-the-art book on how form is described in primate biology, and its consequences for function and behavior, includes contributions by internationally renowned researchers of quantitative primate evolutionary morphology. Each chapter elaborates upon the analysis of the form-function-behavior triad. The book is unique, therefore, not only in the diversity of the topics discussed, but in the range of levels of biological organization addressed--from cellular morphometrics to the evolution of primate ecology.

Review:
An important refernce work

This is an edited collection of state of the art papers on the description of biological form in primates and the implications of this form on function and behavior. The analysis of the form-function-behavior triad is presented in each chapter as an interesting and most importantly, understandable narrative. Most other works of this nature are highly specialized, applicable to only a few scientists capable of understanding what is essentially a very complex subject. This book is unique in that it covers a diversity of topics on a wide range of levels, from cellular morphometrics to the evolution of primate functional morphology. Even though the reader may have a primary interest in only one or two chapters, it follows that the other chapters will be read, thereby expanding the views of the reader.

The book is essentially a "Festschrift" to Charles E. Oxnard, who is a pioneer on metric and analytic techniques which have been combined with his meticulous comparative functional analysis of primate anatomy. Each contributor in this book, "Shaping Primate Evolution", has in some way been influenced by Professor Oxnard's work and this is expressed by the remarkable diversity of topics. The editors, Fred Anapol, Rebecca Z. German, and Nina G. Jabolinski, themsenves highly regarded scholars, have done an excellent job in bringing together the work of a number of internationally recognized scientists in a single volume. A dedication, in the form of this work, is appropriate in light of the remarkable achievements of Professor Oxnard over roughly fifty years. In much of what is written, he has managed to express algebraic complexity in words, which for "mere mortals" is a relief and makes what is ordinarily meant for a selsct few, an enjoyable reading experience for most. In particular, three works by Oxnard worth getting (these have become quite scarce), are; "Form and pattern in human evolution - some mathematical, physical and engineering approaches" (1973), "Uniqueness and diversity in human evolution - morphometric studies of Australopithecines" (1975) and "The Order of Man" (1983).

For those interested in primate form, function and evolution, this reference work is a must!

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