Description
BAR Publishing The Ecology and Evolution of Hominin Geographic Ranges Setting a context for archaeological interpretation using comparative analysis by Katharine Macdonald
In this work the author uses an evolutionary and ecological approach to interpreting early hominin geographic ranges, specifically integrating theory from biogeography and studies of human evolution. A key part of the research is a comparative study of primate distribution in relation to physical and behavioural characteristics and environmental factors using GIS and statistical techniques. The comparative method makes it possible to test hypotheses of adaptation and correlated evolution of environmental tolerance, geographical distribution, and certain key behavioural characteristics. The breadth of data available from studies of extant primates makes it possible to analyse the role of a range of behavioural and life history characteristics in the evolution of primate geographic ranges. Contents: Chapter 1 is an introduction and Chapter 2 presents a survey of the literature on the modern distribution of species, to determine which factors have been identified as important and how they interact. Chapter 3 outlines changes in early hominin geographic ranges over time, giving three models of the evolution of hominin geographic ranges. These models are based on theories about human evolution, and the spatial processes described in Chapter 2, and are backed up where possible with examples of trends in the fossil record. Chapter 4 describes a comparative analysis of primate distribution in relation to physical and behavioural characteristics and environmental factors, conducted using GIS and statistical techniques - with a particularly focus on the interaction of the factors such as: behavioural flexibility and cultural transmission, geographical distribution and environmental variability, and life history parameters. Chapter 5 is an investigation of large-scale patterns in the distribution and ecology of modern African mammals. The aim is to assess the role of dietary niches, particularly meat eating, in species distribution. Chapter 6 assesses the relevance of the models developed through theoretical discussion and comparative analysis, by examining the data on early hominin distribution and ecological niches for a particular case study. The chapter also looks at hypotheses of hominin range expansion during the period 1.8-0.6 million years ago in Africa, by comparing palaeoanthropological and archaeological data with the predictions of the models._x000D_ Table of contents :- _x000D_
List of Figures_x000D_
List of Tables_x000D_
Preface_x000D_
Acknowledgments_x000D_
Introduction_x000D_
Memory System Basics for Every Architect_x000D_
Commercial Memory Products_x000D_
Memory Scheduling_x000D_
Data Placement_x000D_
Memory Chip Microarchitectures_x000D_
Memory Channels_x000D_
Memory Reliability_x000D_
Memory Refresh_x000D_
Near Data Processing_x000D_
Memory Security_x000D_
Closing Thoughts_x000D_
Bibliography_x000D_
Author's Biography_x000D_