Evolutionary Medicine

by Trevathan, Wenda R.; Smith, E. O.; McKenna, James J.

• ISBN13: 9780195103557
• ISBN10: 0195103556
• Format: Hardcover
• Copyright: 1999-06-17
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Evolution is the single most important idea in modern biology, shedding light on virtually every biological question, from the shape of orchid blossoms to the distribution of species across the planet. Until recently, however, the theory has had little impact on medical research or practice.Evolutionary Medicine shows how this is beginning to change. Collecting work from leaders in the field, this volume describes an array of new and innovative approaches to human health that are based on an appreciation of our long evolutionary history. For example, it shows how evolution helps to explain the complex relationship between our immune systemsand the virulence and transmission of human viruses. It also shows how comparisons between how we live today and how our hunter-gatherer ancestors lived thousands of years ago illuminate a variety of contemporary ills, including obesity, lower-back pain, and insomnia. Evolutionary Medicine covers issues at every stage of life, from infancy (colic, jaundice, SIDS, parent-infant sleep struggles, ear infections, breast-feeding, asthma) to adulthood (sexually transmitted diseases, depression, overeating, addictions, child abuse, cardiovascular disease, breast andovarian cancer) to old age (osteoporosis, geriatric sleep problems). Written for a wide range of students and researchers in medicine, anthropology, and psychology, it is an invaluable guide to this rapidly developing field.

Table of Contents

Foreword: Historical Overview	v
Michael H. Day
Contributors	xv
Introduction	3	(4)
Is Neonatal Jaundice a Disease or an Adaptive Process?	7	(20)
John Brett
Susan Niermeyer
Infant Crying Behavior and Colic: An Interpretation in Evolutionary Perspective	27	(26)
Ronald G. Barr
Breastfeeding and Mother-Infant Cosleeping in Relation to SIDS Prevention	53	(22)
James McKenna
Sarah Mosko
Chris Richard
Otitis Media: An Evolutionary Perspective	75	(26)
Hal J. Daniel III
The Evolutionary Ecology of Childhood Asthma	101	(34)
A. Magdalena Hurtado
I. Arenas de Hurtado
Robert Sapien
Kim Hill
Evolutionary Perspectives on the Onset of Puberty	135	(30)
Carol M. Worthman
Incest Avoidance: Clinical Implications of the Evolutionary Perspective	165	(18)
Mark T. Erickson
Evolutionary Obstetrics	183	(26)
Wenda R. Trevathan
Darwinian Medicine and the Emergence of Allergy	209	(36)
Kathleen C. Barnes
George J. Armelagos
Steven C. Morreale
Using Evolution as a Tool for Controlling Infectious Diseases	245	(26)
Paul W. Ewald
Evolutionary Control of HIV and Other Sexually Transmitted Viruses	271	(42)
Paul W. Ewald
Paleolithic Nutrition Revisited	313	(20)
S. Boyd Eaton
S.B. Eaton III
Melvin J. Konner
Human Evolution, Low Back Pain, and Dual-Level Control	333	(18)
Robert Anderson
What Darwinian Medicine Offers Psychiatry	351	(24)
Randolph Nesse
Evolution, Substance Abuse, and Addiction	375	(32)
E. O. Smith
Menopause in Evolutionary Perspective	407	(22)
Lynnette E. Leidy
Breast Cancer in Evolutionary Context	429	(14)
S. Boyd Eaton
S. Boyd Eaton III
Evolutionary Perspectives on Chronic Degenerative Diseases	443	(28)
Linda M. Gerber
Douglas E. Crews
Index	471