How We Came to Be the Only Humans on Earth (Essay Sample)

Book analysis
Name
Course
Instructor
Date
Lone Survivors: How We Came to Be the Only Humans on Earth
By Chris Stringer
In this revolutionary and engaging piece of science and well documented evolution literature, widely acclaimed paleoanthropologist Chris Stringer brings out a fresh theory regarding the origin of humanity and challenges both the multi-regionalists (researchers who strongly assert that that modern humans evolved from early ancestors in diverse parts of the biosphere) and his "out of Africa" model that he had developed earlier , which upholds that individuals developed promptly from single tiny part of Africa and then extended to substitute all other humans from other parts of the continent. Chris Stringer bases his new theory on the genetic and archaeological evidence. From it, he comes up with a conclusion that different humans live together and contested across the African continent. They exchange tools, genes and behavioral schemes.
In the book, there is clear dwelling on advancement and new discoveries. The author uses them to support his findings. He dwells on analysis on new and old fossils from around the globe. He gathers studies on DNA of Neanderthals and many other species so as to find a basis for his theory. It is a requirement for a theory of his type to focus on recent archeological studies and DNA evidence using a full genome map. He certainly does this to prove that the recent fossil discoveries are in line with his model. Most importantly, the author has given much attention to the evolution of human behavior to help in justification of his theory. As part of identifying the credibility of the findings, several ways can be used such as the study of human behavior and studies in geology, plate tectonics geochronological dating and paleoclimatology. The author documents these strategies therefore serve to highlight the credibility and consideration of anthropological details. It is safe to say that his findings enjoy seamless integration to the evolution subject through credible factual presentation.
The manner in which Stringer navigates through other presentations presents an idea for examining the present theories in other books such as those in the course materials. Instead of tearing them out with glee and complete disregard for their contributions, it is essential to borrow the good while also explaining why they do not offer substantial evidence to support human development. He does so in a polite manner by suggesting alternatives. He says "I think the data can be analyzed differently" (Stringer 34).Therefore; he does not only focus on facts that support his theory but also examines those that don’t. This is an essential step in gaining extensive knowledge so as to properly scrutinize the current and future theories. This concept can be applied in tackling relevant course work.
As lightly addressed earlier, the importance of factual presentation is the background of any theoretical presentation. In an interesting twist to his earlier assertions, springer negates from the earlier assertions that all humans spread out of Africa. Instead, he says that Homo erectus migrated out of Africa during different times and uses DNA evidence to prove it. The use of DNA is prevalent thus highlighting its importance for use in showing the hominids that moved to Europe, Asia and Middle East. Additionally, the books influence the need to keep up with the need of constantly updating ones findings based on recent technological discoveries. This book is a perfect example of how theoretical assertions are supported by technology.
Data presentation in this book is one commendable aspect and concept that is relevant to the course material. In essence, the author of the book presents a balanced data that is humble, slow and simplified for the readers understanding. This is a very important as it aids in the understanding of the subject matter. The debate clearly focuses on...