Main description:

Australopithecus species have been the topic of much debate in palaeoanthropology since Raymond Dart described the first species, Australopithecus africanus, in 1925. This volume synthesizes the geological and paleontological context of the species in East and South Africa; covers individual sites, such as Dikika, Hadar, Sterkfontein, and Malapa; debates the alpha taxonomy of some of the species; and addresses questions regarding the movements of the species across the continent. Additional chapters discuss the genus in terms of sexual dimorphism, diet reconstruction using microwear and isotopic methodologies, postural and locomotor behavior, and ontogeny. 

Feature:

Focuses on understanding the palaeoanthropology of a particular genus, Australopithecus

Synthesizes information on the genus Australopithecus

Discusses alpha taxonomy, adaptive radiations, adaptations, phylogeny, biogeography, and paleoecology of the various species ​

Back cover:

Australopithecus species have been the topic of much debate in palaeoanthropology since Raymond Dart described the first species, Australopithecus africanus, in 1925.  This volume synthesizes the geological and paleontological context of the species in East and South Africa, covers individual sites, such as Dikika, Hadar, Sterkfontein, and Malapa, debates the alpha taxonomy of some of the species, and addresses questions of the movements of the species across the continent.  Additional chapters discuss the genus in terms of sexual dimorphism, diet reconstruction – using microwear and isotopic methodologies, postural and locomotor behavior, and ontogeny.

Contents:

Part 1:  Geological and Paleontological Context.- Part 2:  Sites and Species.- Part 3: Biogeography.- Part 4:  Paleobiology.