The story of the human body : evolution, health, and disease / Daniel E. Lieberman.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Lieberman, Daniel E., 1964-

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Human body.

Human evolution.

Adaptation (Biology).

Physical Description:

xii, 460 pages : illustrations ; 25 cm

Edition:

First edition.

Other Title:

Human body : evolution, health, and disease

Place of Publication:

New York : Pantheon Books, [2013]

Summary:

A Harvard evolutionary biologist presents an engaging discussion of how the human body has evolved over millions of years, examining how an increasing disparity between the needs of Stone Age bodies and the realities of the modern world are fueling a paradox of greater longevity and chronic disease.

Contents:

What are humans adapted for?

Upstanding apes: how we became bipeds

Much depends on dinner: how the Australopiths partly weaned us off fruit

The first hunter-gatherers: how nearly modern bodies evolved in the human genus

Energy in the ice age: how we evolved big brains along with large, fat, gradually growing bodies

A very cultured species: how modern humans colonized the world with a combination of brains plus brawn

Progress, mismatch, and dysevolution: the consequences

good and bad

of having paleolithic bodies in a post-paleolithic world

Paradise lost?: the fruits and follies of becoming farmers

Modern times, modern bodies: the paradox of human health in the industrial era

The vicious circle of too much: why too much energy can make us sick

Disuse: why we are losing it by not using it

The hidden dangers of novelty and comfort: how everyday innovations can damage us

Survival of the fitter: can evolutionary logic help cultivate a better future for the human body?

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references (pages [371]-432) and index.

ISBN:

0307379418

9780307379412

OCLC:

833918659

Publisher Number:

99955537757