This course examines in detail the paleoecological context in which humans evolved from the Miocene divergence of the hominoids to the emergence of modern homo sapiens. Emphasis is placed on community structure and inter-specific competition in an effort to derive the ecological selection pressures that shaped human evolution. The origins of bipedality, changing subsistence patterns and the associated dental and skeletal adaptations, social behavior, and the expansion of hominid cranial capacity will be discussed from these perspectives. Offered in alternate years, fall semester . A detailed examination of human skeletal anatomy, variation, growth and development stressing characteristics diagnostic of sex, age, and ethnic origin.
Emphasis is given to techniques useful in demographic reconstruction of past populations.
Identification of paleopathological conditions is included. Specimens from the Logan Museum collections serve as study material. Offered in alternate years, fall semester. This course focuses on the principles and methods used to observe and quantify non-human and human behavior. Students will design and implement their own behavioral research projects.