Human Biological Variation

By John H. Relethford, James H. Mielke, Lyle W. Konigsberg

Book Overview

Authoritative yet accessible, Human Biological Variation, Second Edition, opens with an engaging introduction to basic genetics and the evolutionary forces that set the stage for understanding human diversity. It goes on to offer a clear and detailed discussion of molecular genetics, including its uses and its relationship to anthropological and evolutionary models. The text features up-to-date discussions of classic genetic markers (blood groups, enzymes, and proteins) along with extensive background on DNA analysis and coverage of satellite DNA, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), and Alu inserts. It covers such current issues as the meaning and significance of "race," quantitative genetics and the "nature versus nurture" debates, biocultural interactions, population structure, and cultural and historical influences on patterns of human variation. Discussing the use of probability and statistics in studying human variation and adaptation in a lucid and approachable way, the book provides clearly explained math that is kept to the level of basic algebra.

Integrating real-world examples on interesting topics--including genetic testing, lactose intolerance, dyslexia, IQ, and homosexuality--the second edition of Human Biological Variation provides the most thorough and contemporary view of our biological diversity.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0195387406
• ISBN13: 9780195387407
• Release Date: March 2010
• Publisher: Oxford University Press
• Length: 464 Pages
• Weight: 1.52 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 6.5" x 9.1"

Customer Reviews

Human Variation

This book is a good guide to the study of human variation. Based on the fact that all humans are genetically the same, it helps begin the study of how humans vary according to environmental influences, such as sunlight, temperature, food available, and other influences in these areas. It is a good starter book for the study of the human race.