(Wiley Blackwell Companions to Anthropology) 1st Edition
by Dennis H. O'Rourke (Editor)
Explore the latest research in anthropological genetics and understand the genome’s role in cultural and social development
A Companion to Anthropological Genetics
illustrates the role of genetic analysis in advancing the modern study
of human origins, populations, evolution, and diversity. Broad in scope,
this essential reference work establishes and explores the relationship
between genetic research and the major questions of anthropological
study. Through contributions by leading researchers, this collection
explores molecular genetics and evolutionary mechanisms in the context
of macro- and microevolution, paleontology, phylogeny, diet, and
disease, with detailed explanations of quantitative methods, including
coalescent and approximate Bayesian computation.
With an emphasis
on contextualizing new and developing genetic research within
anthropological frameworks, this text offers critical perspective on the
conditions of molecular evolution that accompany cultural and social
transformation, while also addressing critical disciplinary questions,
such as the ethical issues surrounding ancestry testing and
community-based genetic research.
- Acts as an essential reference on the contributions of genetic science to the field of anthropology
- Features new work by leading researchers of the field
- Explores the evolution of immunity, including the genetics and epigenetics of pathogens, chronic illness, and disease resistance
- Provides in-depth examination of mutation and dietary adaptation, including AMY1, lactase persistence, and sensory polymorphisms
- Explains essential quantitative and phylogenetic methods for aligning genomic analysis with evolution and migration time scales
Offering thorough coverage on leading questions and developing research, A Companion to Anthropological Genetics is a comprehensive resource for students and scholars.