Synopses & Reviews
Orang-utans are a particularly important and interesting primate group because of their close evolutionary proximity to humans. Yet there is no comprehensive, single reference source covering the anatomy and morphology of these animals, their biology, or their evolution. In this unique volume, a group of internationally recognized experts and researchers review the literature and present new data on the skeletal anatomy, reproductive physiology and anatomy, neuroanatomy, behavior, evolutionary genetics, and paleontology of orangutans. It is the most thorough and comprehensive reference available on the biology and evolution of this fascinating primate group.
Review
"Schwartz has brought together 25 contributions by 36 scholars interested in aspects of the evolutionary biology of the only living Asian great ape. . . .There are detailed discussions of anatomy (and physiology). . . .This is a technical treatment best suited to special collections in zoology or anthropology." --Choice
"Enhances our understanding of this rare and remarkable great ape. The volume further underscores the need for continued research on captive and wild orangutans (and other apes) if the goals of paleoanthropology include a better understanding of human phylogeny and behavioral pathways in human evolution." --Science
"When one challenges orthodoxy, some very positive results can occur, and this book is one of them . . . . This is a valuable contribution that provides new material and useful reviews." --Biological Anthropology
"This volume is a complete, often provocative, compendium of orang-utan lore . . . . It conveys collegial consensus on the broad structural level while offering salubrious dissent at the interpretive level. It will be an oft-cited source and indispensable addition to the library of anyone interested in the large-bodied hominoids . . . . This volume represents an instructive, highly successful, and rewarding endeavor for our discipline" --International Journal of Primatology
Synopsis
Orang-utans are a particularly important and interesting primate group because of their close evolutionary proximity to humans. Yet there is no comprehensive, single reference source covering the anatomy and morphology of these animals, their biology, or their evolution. In this unique volume, a group of internationally recognized experts and researchers review the literature and present new data on the skeletal anatomy, reproductive physiology and anatomy, neuroanatomy, behavior, evolutionary genetics, and paleontology of orangutans. It is the most thorough and comprehensive reference available on the biology and evolution of this fascinating primate group.
Table of Contents
PART I: Overview: History, Taxonomy, Behavior and Ecology, and Evolution