Man And His Ancestor: A Study In Evolution

The author contrasts direct-creation and evolutionary explanations for human origins, then marshals anatomical, paleontological, and archaeological evidence supporting descent from earlier primates. Chapters trace physical transformations from quadrupedal ancestors to erect posture, the freeing of the forelimbs and development of grasping hands, and consequent advances in tool use, intelligence, and language. Attention is given to relics of ancient peoples, successive stages of human evolution, human adaptation to environmental challenges, and the social consequences of conflict, warfare, and moral development. The final sections examine emerging spiritual conceptions and their relation to biological evolution, framing humanity as the product of gradual natural processes.