Introduction to Biological Anthropology Laboratory

Catalog description

Credit 1. 3 Lab Hours. (ANTH 2101, 2401*) Introduction to Biological Anthropology Laboratory. COURSE OVERVIEW. Explores fundamental evolutionary principles and the concepts of population genetics. Applies the scientific method to investigate evolutionary trends relevant to humans through hands-on exposure to fossils of non-human primates, human relatives and ancestors, and modern human evolution. Evaluates and synthesizes information regarding human ancestry and contemporary variation. Analyzes key trends related to human evolution, such as encephalization and bipedalism, by measuring and comparing real and modeled skeletal specimens. Lab exercises are designed to complement and reinforce topics covered in the lecture course ANTH 225 . TOPICS AND THEMES. Discussions of basic genetic principles, evolutionary mechanisms and population genetics. Analyzes human and non-human primate anatomy, focusing on skeletal morphology. Applies qualitative and quantitative methods for bone identification, skeletal growth, dental variation and locomotor function. Studies extant and extinct primate specimens, including their taxonomy, behavior and fossil record. Examinations of the hominin fossil record including casts of specimens from the following taxa: Australopithecus, Paranthropus and the genus Homo, including H. habilis, H. erectus, Middle Pleistocene Homo, Neanderthals and H. sapiens. Prerequisites: Concurrent registration in ANTH 225 is recommended; also taught at Galveston campus.