The Human Body: How We Evolved - Hardcover

Grade 3-5 Cole presents the evolution of Homo sapiens in a simple yet thorough manner. Comparisons between modern man and his ancestors center on the development of the pelvis, legs and feet, hands, jaws and teeth, and the brain, which receives the most attention. Advances in the development of tools and communication are also offered as evidence of our descent from the hominids. Written material is brief; a full two-thirds of each page is covered with finely detailed black-and-white pencil drawings and diagrams of those anatomical parts being discussed. Following the main text is an illustrated time line of human culture, synthesizing cultural achievements. The rise and fall of the previous species is not incorporated here, but is shown on a separate graph later in the book. A ``who's who among the hominids'': an artistic rendering of the profile, the scientific name, and a one- to two-paragraph description of each species is extremely useful, providing a concise presentation for comparison complete on a two-page spread. Cole finishes with speculation as to why the various species died out, touching on survival of the fittest and cross breeding. In all, this should be well received by the many children who are fascinated by prehistoric man. Denise L. Moll, Lone Pine Elementary School, West Bloomfield, Mich.
Copyright 1987 Reed Business Information, Inc.