Reproductive Ecology and Human Evolution

Reproductive Ecology and Human Evolution PDF Author: Peter T. Ellison
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351493507
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 809

Get Book Here

Book Description
The study of human reproductive ecology represents an important new development in human evolutionary biology. Its focus is on the physiology of human reproduction and evidence of adaptation, and hence the action of natural selection, in that domain. But at the same time the study of human reproductive ecology provides an important perspective on the historical process of human evolution, a lens through which we may view the forces that have shaped us as a species. In the end, all actions of natural selection can be reduced to variation in the reproductive success of individuals.Peter Ellison is one of the pioneers in the fast growing area of reproductive ecology. He has collected for this volume the research of thirty-one of the most active and influential scientists in the field. Thanks to recent noninvasive techniques, these contributors can present direct empirical data on the effect of a broad array of ecological, behavioral, and constitutional variables on the reproductive processes of humans as well as wild primates. Because biological evolution is cumulative, however, organisms in the present must be viewed as products of the selective forces of past environments. The study of adaptation thus often involves inferences about formative ecological relationships that may no longer exist, or not in the same form. Making such inferences depends on carefully weighing a broad range of evidence drawn from studies of contemporary ecological variation, comparative studies of related taxonomies, and paleontological and genetic evidence of evolutionary history. The result of this inquiry sheds light not only on the functional aspects of an organism's contemporary biology but also on its evolutionary history and the selective forces that have shaped it through time.Encompassing a range of viewpoints--controversy along with consensus--this far-ranging collection offers an indispensable guide for courses in biological anthropology, human biology, and primatology, along with

Reproductive Ecology and Human Evolution

Reproductive Ecology and Human Evolution PDF Author: Peter T. Ellison
Publisher: Routledge
ISBN: 1351493507
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages : 809

Get Book Here

Book Description
The study of human reproductive ecology represents an important new development in human evolutionary biology. Its focus is on the physiology of human reproduction and evidence of adaptation, and hence the action of natural selection, in that domain. But at the same time the study of human reproductive ecology provides an important perspective on the historical process of human evolution, a lens through which we may view the forces that have shaped us as a species. In the end, all actions of natural selection can be reduced to variation in the reproductive success of individuals.Peter Ellison is one of the pioneers in the fast growing area of reproductive ecology. He has collected for this volume the research of thirty-one of the most active and influential scientists in the field. Thanks to recent noninvasive techniques, these contributors can present direct empirical data on the effect of a broad array of ecological, behavioral, and constitutional variables on the reproductive processes of humans as well as wild primates. Because biological evolution is cumulative, however, organisms in the present must be viewed as products of the selective forces of past environments. The study of adaptation thus often involves inferences about formative ecological relationships that may no longer exist, or not in the same form. Making such inferences depends on carefully weighing a broad range of evidence drawn from studies of contemporary ecological variation, comparative studies of related taxonomies, and paleontological and genetic evidence of evolutionary history. The result of this inquiry sheds light not only on the functional aspects of an organism's contemporary biology but also on its evolutionary history and the selective forces that have shaped it through time.Encompassing a range of viewpoints--controversy along with consensus--this far-ranging collection offers an indispensable guide for courses in biological anthropology, human biology, and primatology, along with

Human Reproductive Biology

Human Reproductive Biology PDF Author: Richard E. Jones
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0080508367
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 623

Get Book Here

Book Description
This acclaimed text has been fully revised and updated, now incorporating issues including aging of the reproductive system, and updates on the chapters on conception and Gamete Transport and Fertilization, and Pregnancy.Human Reproductive Biology, Third Edition emphasizes the biological and biomedical aspects of human reproduction, explains advances in reproductive science and discusses the choices and concerns of today. Generously illustrated in full color, the text provides current information about human reproductive anatomy and physiology.The ideal book for courses on human reproductive biology - includes chapter introductions, sidebars on related topics of interest, chapter summaries and suggestions for further reading. - All material competely updated with the latest research results, methods, and topics now organized to facilitate logical presentation of topics - New chapters on Reproductive Senescence, Conception: Gamete Transport, Fertilization, Pregnancy: Maternal Aspects and Pregnancy: Fetal Development - Full color illustrations

On Fertile Ground

On Fertile Ground PDF Author: Peter Thorpe ELLISON
Publisher: Harvard University Press
ISBN: 0674036441
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 370

Get Book Here

Book Description
Reproduction is among the most basic of human biological functions, both for our distant ancestors and for ourselves, whether we live on the plains of Africa or in North American suburbs. Our reproductive biology unites us as a species, but it has also been an important engine of our evolution. In the way our bodies function today we can see both the imprint of our formative past and implications for our future. It is the infinitely subtle and endlessly dramatic story of human reproduction and its evolutionary context that Peter T. Ellison tells in On Fertile Ground. Ranging from the latest achievements of modern fertility clinics to the lives of subsistence farmers in the rain forests of Africa, this book offers both a remarkably broad and a minutely detailed exploration of human reproduction. Ellison, a leading pioneer in the field, combines the perspectives of anthropology, stressing the range and variation of human experience; ecology, sensitive to the two-way interactions between humans and their environments; and evolutionary biology, emphasizing a functional understanding of human reproductive biology and its role in our evolutionary history. Whether contrasting female athletes missing their periods and male athletes using anabolic steroids with Polish farm women and hunter-gatherers in Paraguay, or exploring the intricate choreography of an implanting embryo or of a nursing mother and her child, On Fertile Ground advances a rich and deeply satisfying explanation of the mechanisms by which we reproduce and the evolutionary forces behind their design.

Reproduction and Adaptation

Reproduction and Adaptation PDF Author: C. G. Nicholas Mascie-Taylor
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521509633
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 292

Get Book Here

Book Description
In the space of one generation major changes have begun to take place in the field of human reproduction. A rapid increase in the control of fertility and the understanding and treatment of sexual health issues have been accompanied by an emerging threat to reproductive function linked to increasing environmental pollution and dramatic changes in lifestyle. Organised around four key themes, this book provides a valuable review of some of the most important recent findings in human reproductive ecology. Major topics include the impact of the environment on reproduction, the role of physical activity and energetics in regulating reproduction, sexual maturation and ovulation assessment and demographic, health and family planning issues. Both theoretical and practical issues are covered, including the evolution and importance of the menopause and the various statistical methods by which researchers can analyse characteristics of the menstrual cycle in field studies.

How We Do It

How We Do It PDF Author: Robert Martin
Publisher: Basic Books (AZ)
ISBN: 0465030157
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 322

Get Book Here

Book Description
A primatologist explores the mystery of the origins of human reproduction, explaining that understanding the evolutionary past can provide insight into what worked, what didn't, and what it all means for the future of mankind.

Human Evolutionary Biology

Human Evolutionary Biology PDF Author: Michael P. Muehlenbein
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1139789007
Category : Social Science
Languages : en
Pages :

Get Book Here

Book Description
Wide-ranging and inclusive, this text provides an invaluable review of an expansive selection of topics in human evolution, variation and adaptability for professionals and students in biological anthropology, evolutionary biology, medical sciences and psychology. The chapters are organized around four broad themes, with sections devoted to phenotypic and genetic variation within and between human populations, reproductive physiology and behavior, growth and development, and human health from evolutionary and ecological perspectives. An introductory section provides readers with the historical, theoretical and methodological foundations needed to understand the more complex ideas presented later. Two hundred discussion questions provide starting points for class debate and assignments to test student understanding.

Reproductive Biology of the Crocodylia

Reproductive Biology of the Crocodylia PDF Author: Valentine Lance
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 012821807X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 173

Get Book Here

Book Description
Reproductive Biology of the Crocodylia is based on over 40 years of research on global crocodiles, alligators and caimans. It brings together data and information previously scattered across publications to synthesize knowledge on the history, ecology, physiology and anatomy of crocodilians. The book provides a comprehensive look at the physiology, current taxonomy, ecology and sexual maturity factors of these reptiles. It then delves into the anatomy and cycles of both male and female reproduction systems, including nesting and incubation, temperature-dependent sex determination, and sex ratios across various species populations. Finally, the book focuses on conservation efforts to protect the reproductive cycle, taking factors such as pollution, climate change, and human disruption into consideration. It is an ideal resource for wildlife biologists and herpetologists seeking up-to-date and thorough research data on conservation efforts. It will also be helpful for exotic animal veterinarians, zookeepers, and alligator or crocodile farmers. - Focuses on crocodilian reproduction and how it is impacted by seasons, social interactions, pollution, and more - Provides a thorough overview by a globally recognized expert on crocodilian reproduction and endocrinology - Explores conservation efforts and offers insights for protecting crocodilian reproduction cycles against current factors, including pollution, environmental effects and human interference

Evolutionary Ecology of Plant Reproductive Strategies

Evolutionary Ecology of Plant Reproductive Strategies PDF Author: Thomas Johannes de Jong
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 9780521821421
Category : Mathematics
Languages : en
Pages : 350

Get Book Here

Book Description
This book places the wealth of data that have been collected on plants into the unifying framework of game theory.

The Biology of Reproduction

The Biology of Reproduction PDF Author: Giuseppe Fusco
Publisher: Cambridge University Press
ISBN: 1108499856
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 491

Get Book Here

Book Description
A look into the phenomena of sex and reproduction in all organisms, taking an innovative, unified and comprehensive approach.

Reproductive Biology of Bats

Reproductive Biology of Bats PDF Author: Elizabeth G. Crichton
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0080540538
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 523

Get Book Here

Book Description
The Reproductive Biology of Bats presents the first comprehensive, in-depth review of the current knowledge and supporting literature concerning the behavior, anatomy, physiology and reproductive strategies of bats. These mammals, which occur world-wide and comprise a vast assemblage of species, have evolved unique and successful reproductive strategies through varied anatomical and physiological specialization. These are accompanied by individual and/or group behavioral interactions, usually in response to environmental mechanisms essential to their reproductive success. - Is the first book devoted to the reproductive biology of bats - Contains in-depth reviews of the literature concerned with bat reproduction - Contributors are widely recognized specialists - Provides a powerful database for future research