The Evolutionary Biology of the Human Pelvis

An Integrative Approach

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

• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• Year: 2020
• Print ISBN: 9781107199576
• eBook ISBN: 9781108196307
• Topic: Social Sciences
• Subtopic: Physical Anthropology
• Index: Social Sciences

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.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Half-title
• Series information
• Title page
• Copyright information
• Dedication
• Contents
• Preface
• Introduction: Why Should We Care about the Pelvis Specifically?
• 1 Pelvis Anatomy
• 2 Functional Morphology of the Pelvis
• 3 Pelves of the Hominin Lineage
• 4 Developmental Biology of the Pelvis
• 5 Morphological Integration, Evolutionary Processes and Variation in the Human Pelvis
• Conclusions
• Appendix
• Works Cited
• Index