The Evolutionary Biology of the Human Pelvis
An Integrative Approach

Synthesizes and re-examines the evolution of the human pelvis, which sits at the interface between locomotion and childbirth.

Cara M. Wall-Scheffler (Author), Helen K. Kurki (Author), Benjamin M. Auerbach (Author)

9781107199576, Cambridge University Press

Hardback, published 16 January 2020

182 pages, 25 b/w illus. 5 tables
25.3 x 18 x 1.3 cm, 0.52 kg

'This volume presents a comprehensive review of the anatomy, functional morphology, evolution, growth and development, and variation of the human pelvis. The individual chapters and extensive up-to-date bibliography provide an excellent resource and reference for students interested in forensic anthropology, human evolution, and comparative anatomy. The contents may be familiar to seasoned experts in human skeleton biology, but it is always welcome to have a synthesis of the latest research on this topic in a single volume.' T. Harrison, Choice

This book provides a synthetic overview of all evidence concerning the evolution of the morphology of the human pelvis, including comparative anatomy, clinical and experimental studies, and quantitative evolutionary models. By integrating these lines of research, this is the first book to bring all sources of evidence together to develop a coherent statement about the current state of the art in understanding pelvic evolution. Second, and related to this, the volume is the first detailed assessment of existing paradigms about the evolution of the pelvis, especially the obstetric dilemma. The authors argue that there are many 'dilemmas', but these must be approached using a testable methodology, rather than on the proviso of a single paradigm. The volume clearly contributes to greater scientific knowledge about human variation and evolution, and has implications for clinicians working within reproductive health. A thought-provoking read for students, researchers and professionals in the fields of biological anthropology, human evolutionary anthropology, paleoanthropology, bioarchaeology, biology, developmental biology and obstetrics.

Preface
Introduction
1. Pelvis anatomy
2. Functional morphology
3. Pelves of the hominin lineage
4. Developmental biology of the pelvis
5. Pelvis evolution as a function of evolutionary development
Conclusion
Appendix
Works cited
Index.

Subject Areas: Developmental biology [PSC], Biology, life sciences [PS], Anthropology [JHM]