Human Peoples - On the Genetic Traces of Human Evolution, Migration and Adaptation

Here one of the scientists at the forefront of this research, biologist Lluís Quintana-Murci reveals how population genetics has led to major discoveries. We now know that Homo Sapiens freely mixed with other human species which allowed them to adapt to new environments. By mixing with the Denisovans, the Tibetans acquired their genetic ability to live at high altitudes, while mixing with the Neanderthals allowed the first Europeans to withstand cold and survive pathogens, particularly viruses. New studies have also shown that we have multiple genetic ancestors: our maternal ancestors lived in East Africa while our paternal ancestors came from South Africa.

Tracing the long odyssey of migrations that led to the settlement of all continents, Quintana-Murci shows that without diversity, without difference, there is no evolution. We are the product of our past, of these journeys across the globe, of our adaptation to the environment and our constant mixing with other populations. These cutting-edge findings will also shape our future as they offer the key to medicine tailored to individuals.

Filled with fascinating insights from the front line of research, Human Peoples is a pioneering guide to the ground-breaking science of our past.<>

About the author

Lluís Quintana-Murci is Professor at the Collège de France in Paris where he holds the Chair of Human Genomics and Evolution. He also directs the Human Evolutionary Genetics Unit at the Institut Pasteur. Human Peoples was published to great acclaim in France.

Report

What are we? Where do we come from? Human Peoples takes us on a fascinating tour through what our genetics reveals about our deep-time history as a species. Astonishing and eye-opening Professor Lewis Dartnell, author of 'BEING HUMAN: How our Biology Shaped World History'

Product details

• Authors: Lluís Quintana-Murci
• Publisher: Allen Lane
• Languages: English
• Product format: Hardback
• Released: 31.10.2024
• EAN: 9780241609156
• ISBN: 978-0-241-60915-6
• No. of pages: 288
• Dimensions: 160 mm x 240 mm x 26 mm
• Subjects: Humanities, art, music > Art > General, dictionaries; Natural sciences, medicine, IT, technology > Biology > Genetics, genetic engineering; Social sciences, law, business > Sociology > Sociological theories; Evolution, popular science, SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Human Anatomy & Physiology, Anthropology, SCIENCE / Life Sciences / Genetics & Genomics, SOCIAL SCIENCE / Anthropology / Physical, Human biology, Genetics (non-medical), Physical anthropology, Evolutionary anthropology / Human evolution