"As the various contributors to [Mapping Our Ancestors] make perfectly clear, the application of evolutionary theory to cultural change cannot simply borrow from biological evolution. Cultural transmission is qualitatively different from genetic transmission and requires different concepts and principles, which cannot be borrowed but must be developed by archaeologists, anthropologists, and linguists. Among the differences between cultural and genetic transmission are the presence of horizontal as well as vertical inheritance, the greater propensity for neutral variation, the much higher probability of reticulation (or hybridization), and a more fluid scale at which evolution can occur. While much work remains to be done, the various contributors have made great strides in identifying these problems and suggesting ways they might be resolved. The various articles are not just abstract theorizing but practical attempts to grapple with these issues. After reading this book, how an evolutionary theory of culture might look becomes clearer."James K. Feathers, Department of Anthropology, University of Washington "These engaging essays help point the way to a new, exciting four-field anthropology, grounded in the use of evolutionary theory and phylogenetic methods to make and evaluate inferences about what happened in human history for archaeological, linguistic, biological, and ethnological data."Fraser D. Neiman, Monticello "As the various contributors to [Mapping Our Ancestors] make perfectly clear, the application of evolutionary theory to cultural change cannot simply borrow from biological evolution. Cultural transmission is qualitatively different from genetic transmission and requires different concepts and principles, which cannot be borrowed but must be developed by archaeologists, anthropologists, and linguists. Among the differences between cultural and genetic transmission are the presence of horizontal as well as vertical inheritance, the greater propensity for neutral variation, the much higher probability of reticulation (or hybridization), and a more fluid scale at which evolution can occur. While much work remains to be done, the various contributors have made great strides in identifying these problems and suggesting ways they might be resolved. The various articles are not just abstract theorizing but practical attempts to grapple with these issues. After reading this book, how an evolutionary theory of culture might look becomes clearer."James K. Feathers, Department of Anthropology, University of Washington "These engaging essays help point the way to a new, exciting four-field anthropology, grounded in the use of evolutionary theory and phylogenetic methods to make and evaluate inferences about what happened in human history for archaeological, linguistic, biological, and ethnological data."
Fraser D. Neiman, Monticello "AS an anthropological method, phylogenetic mapping is still a relatively new method that is in its infancy. Studying this topic has value because it may hold a key to the future of anthropological studies in determining transmission of culture. Phylogenetic mapping is a creative method that allows for a new way to interpret data as well as giving rise to new hypotheses for understanding culture change.....The focus on the relationships of biology, culture change, and knowledge transmission over time and across space are core anthropological concerns impacting every subfield. To understand the complexities of using phylogenetic mapping, one must have a solid four field background. Thus, this highly technical book is most relevant for archaeologists, bioarchaeologists, and historical linguists."
Maria R. Roti, Anthropology and Aging Quarterly