Introduction -- The Evolution of Gibbons and Siamang -- The Role of Historical and Fossil Records in Predicting Changes in the Spatial Distribution of Hylobatids -- Locomotion and Posture in Ancestral Hominoids Prior to the Split of Hylobatids -- The Fossil Record and Evolutionary History of Hylobatids -- Climate and Geography of Asia: Miocene to Pleistocene -- Unique evolution of heterochromatin and alpha satellite DNA in small apes -- Phylogeny and Classification of Gibbons (Hylobatidae) -- Why is the Siamang Larger than other Hylobatids? -- Gibbons to Gorillas: Allometric Issues in Hominoid Cranial Evolution -- Hylobates lar) -- Selective Value of Characteristic Size Parameters in Hylobatids. A Biomechanical Approach to Small Ape Size and Morphology -- Hand Manipulation Skills in Hylobatids -- The Evolution of Technical Intelligence: Perspectives from theHylobatidae -- Communication and Cognition of Small Apes -- Gibbon songs: Understanding the Evolution and Development of this Unique Form of Vocal Communication.

This volume provides insight into gibbon diet and community ecology, the mating system and reproduction, and conservation biology, all topics which represent areas of substantial progress in understanding socio-ecological flexibility and conservation needs of the hylobatid family. This work analyzes hylobatid evolution by synthesizing recent and ongoing studies of molecular phylogeny, morphology, and cognition in a framework of gibbon and siamang evolution. With its clearly different perspective, this book is written to be read, referenced, and added to the bookshelves of scientists, librarians, and the interested public.