Human Adaptability: An Introduction to Ecological Anthropology

by Emilio F. Moran

Overview

Designed to help students understand the multiple levels at which human populations respond to their surroundings, this essential text offers the most complete discussion of environmental, physiological, behavioral, and cultural adaptive strategies available. Among the unique features that make Human Adaptability outstanding as both a textbook for students and a reference book for professionals are a complete discussion of the development of ecological anthropology and relevant research methods; the use of an ecosystem approach with emphasis on arctic, high altitude, arid land, grassland, tropical rain forest, and urban environments; an extensive and updated bibliography on ecological anthropology; and a comprehensive glossary of technical terms.

- There is enhanced emphasis throughout on the role of gender in human adaptability research and on global environmental change as it affects particular ecosystems.

- Students are guided to websites that provide access to relevant material, complement the text's coverage of biomes, and suggest ways to become active in environmental issues.

- The fourth edition includes updated material on climate change and environmental policy.

This book is essential reading for students undertaking courses in environmental anthropology and human ecology.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781032007731
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	05/10/2022
Edition description:	4th ed.
Pages:	460
Product dimensions:	6.00(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)

About the Author

Emilio F. Moran is John A. Hannah Distinguished Professor at Michigan State University.

Table of Contents

Part One

Environmental Anthropology

History, Theory, and Method

1 People in Ecosystems

2 Theories of Human-Habitat Interaction

3 Fundamental Concepts and Methods

4 Environmental Change and Spatial Analysis

Part Two

Studies of Human Adaptability

5 Human Adaptability to Arctic Zones

6 Human Adaptability to High Altitudes

7 Human Adaptability to Arid Lands

8 Human Adaptability to Grasslands

9 Human Adaptability to the Humid Tropics

Part Three  

Urban Sustainability and New Directions in Human Adaptability

10 Urban Ecology and Urban Sustainability

11 New Directions in Human Adaptability Research

Glossary

Editorial Reviews

"Moran draws on his extensive knowledge of several disciplines and his wide-ranging field experience to offer a clear, and accessible account of human interactions with natural ecosystems. He provides an understanding of human adaptability that will be of interest to students, to professionals, and to the broad reading public that is concerned with human adaptation to global environmental change."

Benjamin Orlove, Professor of Environmental Science and Policy, University of California at Davis

"Rich in information … Eminently suitable as a text for courses in human ecology from either the biological or anthropological viewpoint."

BioScience

"Solid scholarship … a well-written book that should be read by anyone with interests in this diverse field, students and professionals alike."

Annals of Human Biology

"One of the clearest statements to date of the systems approach in ecological anthropology … Superb."

Reviews in Anthropology

From the Publisher

Details nongenetic strategies of human adaptation to a variety of ecosystems, discussing environmental, physiological, behavioral, and cultural adaptive strategies. Offers a complete discussion of the development of ecological anthropology and relevant research methods, and uses an ecosystem approach with emphasis on arctic, high altitude, and rainforest environments. The bibliography lists 1,100 classic and recent references. This second edition addresses the impact of political economy and the uses of remote sensing in the study of human ecology. Moran teaches anthropology at Indiana University, where he directs the Anthropological Center for Training and Research on Global Environmental Change. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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