Unique in its approach, this work updates our understanding of human variation by employing both laboratory and field perspectives. Written by a team of scientists representing four continents, it reviews the way we examine and analyze human variation with special reference to genetics, growth and development, and physiology. In describing the main factors influencing human variation, it delves into environmental plasticity, lifestyle, and heritability of characteristics. A significant part of the focus is on the methodology and analytical techniques, detailing field and laboratory approaches, and looking at how the two perspectives complement each other.