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This volume 1 and its companion volume 2 present the results of new investigations into the geology, paleontology and paleoecology of the early hominin site of Laetoli in northern Tanzania. The site is one of the most important paleontological and paleoanthropological sites in Africa, worldrenowned for the discovery of fossils of the early hominin Australopithecus afarensis, as well as remarkable trails of its footprints. The first volume provides new evidence on the geology, geochronology, ecology, ecomorphology and taphonomy of the site. The second volume describes newly discovered fossil hominins from Laetoli, belonging to Australopithecus afarensis and Paranthropus aethiopicus, and presents detailed information on the systematics and paleobiology of the diverse associated fauna. Together, these contributions provide one of the most comprehensive accounts of a fossil hominin site, and they offer important new insights into the early stages of human evolution and its context.
Summary
This volume 1 and its companion volume 2 present the results of new investigations into the geology, paleontology and paleoecology of the early hominin site of Laetoli in northern Tanzania. The site is one of the most important paleontological and paleoanthropological sites in Africa, worldrenowned for the discovery of fossils of the early hominin Australopithecus afarensis, as well as remarkable trails of its footprints. The first volume provides new evidence on the geology, geochronology, ecology, ecomorphology and taphonomy of the site. The second volume describes newly discovered fossil hominins from Laetoli, belonging to Australopithecus afarensis and Paranthropus aethiopicus, and presents detailed information on the systematics and paleobiology of the diverse associated fauna. Together, these contributions provide one of the most comprehensive accounts of a fossil hominin site, and they offer important new insights into the early stages of human evolution and its context.
Report
From the reviews:
"Volume 1 begins with a review of the most recent paleontological and geological investigations in the Laetoli area, including a reassessment of the best-known fossil localities; it then sorts through the geology of the region. ... should be in any library with natural history collections. ... provide a critical resource for human evolution studies, and will appeal to geologists, paleontologists, and anthropologists alike. Summing Up: Highly recommended. Academic and professional audiences, all levels." (M. A. Wilson, Choice, Vol. 48 (11), July, 2011)
"Harrison has compiled a large number of generally impressive reports stemming from this renewed work at Laetoli into a handsome two-volume set. ... Volume 1 comprises 19 chapters devoted largely to geology, geochronology, paleoecology, and paleoenvironmental reconstruction. ... Harrison is to be congratulated for having assembled an extraordinary team of research collaborators to investigate (or reinvestigate) it to its full extent. ... It will be an indispensible resource for students of African Neogene paleontology, geology, and (especially) paleoanthropology." (Frederick E. Grine, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 87, March, 2012)
