Born in Africa : The Quest for the Origins of Human Life

Africa does not give up its secrets easily. Buried there lie answers about the origins of humankind. And yet, though vital clues still remain hidden, scientists have over the last century transformed our understanding about the beginnings of human life. In Born in Africa , Martin Meredith follows scientists' trail of discoveries about human origins, recounting their intense rivalry, personal feuds, and fierce controversies as well as their feats of skill and endurance. And he limns their momentous accomplishments: Scientists have identified more than twenty species of extinct humans. They have firmly established Africa as the birthplace not only of humankind but also of modern humans. They have revealed how early technology, language ability and artistic endeavour all originated in Africa; and they have shown how small groups of Africans spread out from Africa in an exodus sixty-thousand years ago to populate the rest of the world. Africa Does Not Give Up Its Secrets Easily. Buried There Lie Answers About The Origins Of Humankind. After A Century Of Investigation, Scientists Have Transformed Our Understanding About The Beginnings Of Human Life. But Vital Clues Still Remain Hidden. In Born In Africa, Martin Meredith Follows The Trail Of Discoveries About Human Origins Made By Scientists Over The Last Hundred Years, Recounting Their Intense Rivalry, Personal Feuds, And Fierce Controversies As Well As Their Feats Of Skill And Endurance. The Results Have Been Momentous. Scientists Have Identified More Than Twenty Species Of Extinct Humans. They Have Firmly Established Africa As The Birthplace Not Only Of Humankind But Also Of Modern Humans. They Have Revealed How Early Technology, Language Ability, And Artistic Endeavour All Originated In Africa; And They Have Shown How Small Groups Of Africans Spread Out From Africa In An Exodus Sixty Thousand Years Ago To Populate The Rest Of The World. We Have All Inherited An African Past. The valley of wild sisal Dart's child Broom's triumph White African Dear boy Handy man Koobi Fora Hadar Laetoli Bones of contention Turkana boy A dance through time New frontiers Little foot Prototypes Pioneers Sapiens Exodus. Chronicles the efforts of anthropologists, archeologists, and other scientists to uncover the many mysteries of human origins.