Fossil Evidence of Human Evolution

Catalog description

Credits 3. 3 Lecture Hours. COURSE OVERVIEW. Examines human evolution from the time of divergence from the other African apes through the appearance of anatomically modern humans. Delves into the detailed study of the fossil antecedents of humans. Applies fundamental principles from evolutionary biology, geology, primatology and paleontology to interpret the human lineage. Integrates evidence from the human fossil record, archaeological material, ancient DNA and living human populations. Studies comparative osteology and paleoecology to interpret the evolutionary relationships, diet and behavior of extinct and living human and non-human Primate species. Analyzes the evolutionary mechanisms that have patterned life on Earth and the forces that have acted upon these processes. Develops a deeper awareness of how humans fit into the natural world. Develops a comprehensive understanding of the evolutionary mechanisms that position humans within the larger Primate clade and the genetic and environmental underpinnings of modern human variability and dispersal. Hands-on, discussion and writing-intensive assignments are designed to develop students’ critical reading/thinking skills and apply paleoanthropological methods to real and modeled skeletal materials. This course may incorporate topics that respond to current events, student interests or emerging issues relevant to anthropology. TOPICS AND THEMES. Considers human evolutionary biology, including evolutionary processes, natural selection and macroevolutionary principles. Analyses geological and paleontological contexts, focusing on fossils, taphonomy and dating techniques. Examines living and extinct primate diversity and evolution, covering early primates and apes. Studies specific hominin species, including the earliest possible hominins, Australopithecus, Paranthropus, Homo species (such as H. erectus, H. naledi and H. neanderthalensis) and Homo sapiens. Investigates comparative morphology, osteology and diagnostic skeletal features of the human skeleton. Explores and describes paleoecology, anatomy, diet, human evolutionary trends and the genetic and environmental underpinnings that have shaped our species. Course content may include complex or sensitive topics and is designed to foster respectful, evidence-based discussion and critical engagement with multiple perspectives, skills essential for navigating a diverse and changing world. Prerequisite: ANTH 225 or approval of instructor.