In RelethfordÆs ôPrimate Origins and Evolutionö, the author discusses the most significant events in primate evolution. The chapter discusses these events beginning with primate origins and concludes with the last stages of the Miocene epoch, the era of the ape-human split. As Relethford (2002) contends at the outset, ôModern primates did not appear instantaneously 65 million years ago. There were no monkeys, apes, or humans at that timeö (297).
The chapter is well organized, with the first section devoted to early primate evolution and the second section covering the evolution of the Miocene apes. Early primate evolution explores continental drift, primate-like mammals, the first kinds of primates, and provides an explanation of different models of primate origins. A discussion of anthropoid origins follows, including old world anthropoids and an analysis of the evolution of new world monkeys. The evolution of Miocene apes is rich in detail about the diversity of the apes. Relethford provides an excellent account of the fossil evidence that supports evolution, branching into proconsul and other Miocene apes. Genetic evidence in support of evolution is also provided. The author finishes the book with a concise summary of what preceded in the first two sections. At the end of the book he provides a rich collection of resources for further investigation into evolution in a section called ôSupplemental Readings.ö
The chapter is well-researched and Relethford provides plenty of research studies and other valid forms of evidence for his discussion on evolution. The chapter does an excellent job at showing how anthropology is an ongoing, continuous learning process as such evidence reveals the answers to mysteries that still elude scientists. As Relethford (2002) asserts, ôPrimate and primate-like forms in the past exhibited an amazing diversity. In the past few decades, we have realized it is not
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