The Artificial Ape How Technology Changed the Course of Human Evolution

by Taylor, Timothy

• ISBN13: 9780230617636
• ISBN10: 0230617638
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 2010-07-20
• Publisher: St. Martin's Press

Summary

While Darwin's theory explains our common descent, scientists have grappled with the reasons why human evolution defies the principles of natural selection and why, although we dominate the planet, we have become the weakest ape. In this fascinating narrative, leading archaeologist Timothy Taylor proposes that it was our early adoption of tools, objects, and, now, technology that changed us, demonstrating how: baby slings made out of animal fur freed up our arms up to use tools; clothes kept us warm, reducing our need for body hair; shelter protected us from the elements and led our bodies to become slighter and physically weaker.Drawing on the latest fossil evidence, Taylor shows how humans made choices that assumed greater control over their own evolution.

Author Biography

Dr. Timothy Taylor is a leading evolutionary scientist and editor-in-chief of the Journal of World Prehistory. He has appeared on the History Channel, Discovery, National Geographic specials, and contributes to such publications as Nature, Scientific American, and World Archaeology. He is the author of The Buried Soul and The Prehistory of Sex. He is Professor of Archeaology at the University of Bradford in the UK.

Table of Contents

Introduction: Just Three Systems	p. 1
Survival of the Weakest	p. 13
Naked Cunning	p. 33
Unintelligent Design	p. 55
The 7,000-Calorie Lunch	p. 83
The Smart Biped Paradox	p. 103
Inward Machinery	p. 131
Skeuomorphs	p. 151
Screen Culture	p. 171
Conclusion: One World, Again	p. 191
Acknowledgments	p. 205
Notes	p. 207
Bibliography	p. 221
Index	p. 241
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