The organization of the book has been changed to reflect current trends in the study of biological anthropology and prehistory, with chapters 1-7 now covering biological anthropology and chapters 8-13 covering archaeology. Theory and methods discussions in chapter 2 and chapter 8 have been updated and expanded, including more information on dating methods. This edition offers many more key words (conveniently placed in the margins of the book to reinforce learning and understanding) as well as an expanded glossary . Each chapter has been updated (including the addition of new tables and illustrations ) and new sites and case studies have been introduced. There is a whole chapter devoted to the evolution of primates (5). Chapter l now focuses on four field anthropology, how anthropologists do their work, holism, and ethics in all phases of the field. Chapter 2 is exclusive to the theory and methods in biological anthropology: TSM, science, religion and common sense, biological evidence, sites, fossils, and analysis. Chapter 4 now limits macroevolution from first life to mammals with a new section on macroevolutionary lessons.
Chapter 5 is new on primates in evolution, including taxonomy, introduction to contemporary primates, primate traits, evolution, missing links, primates after the major splits to prosimians, monkeys, apes; the Last Common Ancestor, potential early hominids (Orrorin tugenensis, Sahelanthropus chadensis, and Ardipithecus ramidus), and the evolution of primate behavior. Chapter 7 has an expansion of Neandertals with new DNA evidence, and a discussion of both the Assimilation and the Diffusion Wave hypotheses concerning the evolution of anatomically modern humans. Chapter 9 contains an expanded discussion on earliest stone tools; and a more detailed discussion on the recent research relating to hunting and scavenging in the Early Stone Age. Content on evidence for the early occupation of the Old World outside Africa has been updated and expanded. Discussion of early control and use of fire has been expanded. Discussion on recent evidence for subsistence strategies in the Middle Palaeolithic and Middle Stone Age. Chapter 10 Discussion of Optimal Foraging Theory is new and more detailed presentation of isotopic elemental analysis is added. Chapter 11 Introduction of work at Giza in Egypt includes new information resulting from excavation of the Pyramid builders town at Giza.
Development of the Shang State has been revised and updated substantially. Chapter 12 Discussion on Hopewell and Chaco Canyon has been updated. Chapter 13 Presentation of environmental diversity of S. America has been updated and expanded. Discussion of Tiwanaku colonisation has been expanded, and discussion of Raised Fields in Bolivia has been updated. Chapter 14 covers contemporary primates with a new section on primate cognition. Chapter 15 on modern humans has a new section on microevolution and population genetics, and an expansion of forensics.