Can anyone recommend any reading on the origins of man? I've been reading stuff on the internet that has me thinking and I'd like to know if you know of any good books that could help me make sense of it all? It's hard to find credible sources on the internet, and when you do they all have completely oposing opinions. One source even said that "whites" came about from Africans that suffer albinism?! I don't believe this, I think that when man moved away from Africa he produced less melanin because it simply wasn't needed as there was not as much exposure to sun. Anyway, I know there are many smart people here so thought I'd ask, thanks. Or if you want to share any information, it would be cool. *hint hint Saty, I have a feeling you know all about this*
Very good link below, in my opinion very in depth and unbiased analysis. Great article on coloration as well. http://www.pbs.org/wgbh/evolution/humans/humankind/o.html
I'm sorry Sarah, missed this earlier. THE book of course is Darwin's Origin of the Species. They didn't put his face on the pound for his good looks. It seems, however, that you're most interested in genetic variation in the human species, something Darwin never delved into because DNA was discovered after his death. The Great Human Diasporas or Genes, Peoples and Language by Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza will fill you in on the origins of humanity in Africa and the population migrations into Asia and Europe that occurred afterwards. Amazon UK has them both.
Precisely. Dark skin in all of its variations is a genetic response to population groups needing a natural defense mechanism to offset potential damage caused by ultraviolet radiation.
Saty, did he vvrite it in italian or in english? I'm interested in reading it too. After the other 10 books I still have to read lol.