Suchergebnisse

Ecological concepts have been applied to lower Pleistocene hominid evolution for several years (e.g., Mayr 1951; Robinson 1963; Weiss 1972; Wolpoff 1971). In this paper the major ecological hypotheses are reviewed and their rationale considered in light of prevalent theories on speciation. This review suggests that the hypotheses are central to an understanding of taxonomy and that greater precision in their application is warranted. Allopatric and sympatric distributions of australopithecine populations are discussed. It is concluded that a single species taxonomy will fit the available evidence.

"Beyond Germs challenges the hypothesis that the massive depopulation of the New World was primarily caused by diseases brought by Europeans, which scholars used for decades to explain the decimation of the indigenous peoples of North America. Contributors argue that blaming germs downplays the active role of Europeans in inciting wars, destroying livelihoods, and erasing identities"--Provided by publisher

Recent research has considerably increased our understanding of the factors associated with the American epidemiological transition in the late nineteenth century. However, uncertainty remains regarding the impact on mortality of specific changes ancillary to urbanization and industrialization in American cities and towns. The broad objective of the Connecticut Valley Historical Demography Project is to examine changing relationships between socioeconomic status, the rise of new urban-industrial communities, and cause-specific mortality trends during the rapid development of New England manufacturing. To address these issues, the present analysis examines two emergent urban centers in Massachusetts, adopting a micro-demographic approach to explore late-nineteenth-century and turn-of-the-century determinants of mortality.