A new Canadian entry on the market, Introduction to Physical Anthropology offers a fresh take on the fundamentals of the discipline. Author John Steckley guides students through the field step by step, covering foundational aspects such as archaeological tools and dating methods, evolution and genetics, and taxonomy in the early chapters before moving on to more complex topics. After tracing the transition from hominids to modern Homo sapiens, students are introduced to Neandertals; human variation; ethics and migration; and forensic anthropology. Combining scientific discoveries with personal anecdotes and case studies on controversies, students are shown the human side of scientists and the subjective side of science.

Throughout the distinctly Canadian text, profiles of Canadian anthropologists, national research and examples, and indigenous Aboriginal material contextualize country-specific content in an international field of study. Rich, colourful photos showcase the beauty of living species and the detail of fossil specimens, while unique pedagogical features including 'Typical Student Questions' and 'Science Gone Wrong' accounts invite students to explore anthropology at their own level.