Human Variation

Catalog description

Introduction to how evolution has shaped contemporary human biological, phenotypic, and demographic variation and diversity using evolutionary and life history theory. The course draws on biocultural perspective integrating human biology and physiology with social and cultural forces to help understand human variation and diversity in such topics as growth, maturation, reproductive function, and senescence. The course also explores how evolutionary biology, life history theory, and biocultural perspectives illuminate the study of contemporary human health and disease patterns. Keywords: Biological anthropology, adaptation, evolution