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Evolution of Human Behavior: Primate Models
This book represents an important meeting ground in the primatology field by exploring the various primate models that have been used in the reconstruction of early human behavior. While some models are based on the proposition that a key behavioral feature such as hunting, eating of seeds or monogamous mating led to the evolutionary separation of apes and humans, other models suggest that one primate species, such as the baboon or chimpanzee, best exemplifies the behavior of our early ancestors.
Several contributors to the book take the position that no single primate is a good model and contend instead that a model must be eclectic. One of the more innovative essays suggests that ancestral behavioral states can, in fact, be derived by comparing the behavior of all living hominid (ape and human) species. Additionally, several other contributors analyze and discuss the concept of model-making, noting deficiencies in earlier models while offering suggestions for future development. Although it is true that a powerful conceptual model for reconstructing hominid behavior does not yet exist, The Evolution of Human Primate Models suggests ways one may be constructed based on behavioral ecology and evolutionary theory.
Several contributors to the book take the position that no single primate is a good model and contend instead that a model must be eclectic. One of the more innovative essays suggests that ancestral behavioral states can, in fact, be derived by comparing the behavior of all living hominid (ape and human) species. Additionally, several other contributors analyze and discuss the concept of model-making, noting deficiencies in earlier models while offering suggestions for future development. Although it is true that a powerful conceptual model for reconstructing hominid behavior does not yet exist, The Evolution of Human Primate Models suggests ways one may be constructed based on behavioral ecology and evolutionary theory.
316 pages, Paperback
First published January 8, 1987
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Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
July 26, 2018
The final essay, The Reconstruction of Hominid Behavioral Evolution Through Strategic Modeling is a must-read. You can skip the rest.
April 9, 2020
Some excellent articles - some a little dated.
September 25, 2010
A specialized book--but well done at that. The editor of this collection of essays notes the purpose of the volume (Page viii): "Can field studies of primate behavior tell us anything about early human behaviors, or even about the origin of such behaviors?"
The book is divided into four sections. The first explores "behavioral innovations" among primates. The second section examines primate-derived models of human behavior. The third part considers paleoecological models. The final section has one essay, ao-authored by John Tooby and Irven DeVore, "The reconstruction of hominid behavioral evolution through strategic modeling."
Thought provoking. The book holds up fairly well after over two decades from its publication. . . .
The book is divided into four sections. The first explores "behavioral innovations" among primates. The second section examines primate-derived models of human behavior. The third part considers paleoecological models. The final section has one essay, ao-authored by John Tooby and Irven DeVore, "The reconstruction of hominid behavioral evolution through strategic modeling."
Thought provoking. The book holds up fairly well after over two decades from its publication. . . .
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews