"Contains material from Scientific American . . ."--Title page verso.

Includes bibliographical references and index.

"How did humans get their start as a species? This is one of the core questions that have preoccupied humankind for centuries. This volume considers the complex and often mysterious characteristics that define humanity, including its unique anatomical and neurological features, behaviors such as use of tools and language, and the social structures that are unique to the species. The book also considers how the species has evolved over time and how it may continue to evolve"--Provided by publisher.