Course Description
The evolutionary history of the order Primates, a group of mammals that includes humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians. Through the study of the fossil record, illuminated by the principles of modern evolutionary and ecological theory, we can reconstruct a broad outline of how primates originated and how they have diversified into more than 200 living species.
Additional Requirements for Graduate Students:
Additional assignments/projects will be given to graduate students.
Athena Title
PRIMATE ECOL EVOL
Prerequisite
ANTH 1102 or permission of department
Semester Course Offered
Not offered on a regular basis.
Grading System
A - F (Traditional)
Course Objectives
This course explores the most salient aspects of primate ecology, behavior, morphology, biogeography, and evolution. Through the study of the fossil record illuminated by the principles of modern evolutionary and ecological theory we can reconstruct a broad outline of how primates originated and how they have diversified into more than 200 living species. The main goal of the course is to provide students with the fundamental tools to understand how anthropologists study primate ecology, behavior, and evolution. Students are expected to learn the basics of primate anatomy and taxonomy by studying osteological material and casts of primate specimens. It is also important that students gain a solid understanding of the primate fossil record and applications of evolutionary and ecological principles to the study of primate behavior. Students are expected to discuss issues of primate conservation and the relevance of primates for our understanding of modern Homo sapiens. Students are encouraged to consider the environmental and ethical issues related to Primatology. Many of these issues are raised in films shown in class. Much of the course is devoted to discussions of key concepts and theories, and thus students are expected to understand and evaluate contrasting ideas. The arguments, assumptions, strengths and weaknesses of key hypotheses are explored in detail. Students are expected to articulate and present complex ideas to the class. Students are expected to analyze the structure of various hypotheses, to synthesize contrasting points of view, and to discuss complex theoretical issues both in oral presentations and through scholarly essays. This, of course, will require students to: Assimilate, analyze, and present in written forms a body of information; interpret content of written materials on related topics from various disciplines; and compose effective written materials for various academic and professional contexts. As this will be presented in class, students will also: assimilate, analyze, and present written paper into an oral form. This will require the ability to communicate in various modes and media, including the proper use of appropriate technology including, but perhaps not limited to: web searches, powerpoint or other presentation software, word processing software, and email to contact instructor with topic of paper, etc. These papers/oral presentations will be discussed in class. Be prepared to consider and engage opposing points of view. Student will support a consistent purpose and point of view as well as analyze all arguments. Students will develop an understanding of the ethics theory related to decision-making, and develop an understanding of the basis of ethical principles, codes and standards of conduct. This will be accomplished by: applying societal ethics to scientific inquiry; recognizing the community and the greater common good in addition to individual needs and goals; and to contribute to the eradication of stereotypes and prejudices that exist in society, either in crude forms or in more sophisticated and sometimes pseudo-scientific ones.
Topical Outline
1. Ecology and evolution of the order Primates 2. Socioecology – social behavior in environmental context 3. Galagos, lorises, and tarsiers 4. The larger Neotropical primates 5. The callitrichines: small New World monkeys 6. The lemurs of Madagascar 7. The colobines – leaf eaters of the Old World 8. The cheek-pouched monkeys 9. Macaques and baboons 10. Gibbons – the lesser apes of Asia 11. Orangutans – the Asian great ape 12. Gorillas – the largest living primates 13. Chimpanzees – our closest living relatives 14. Homo sapiens – the evolution of an odd primate 15. Presentations
Syllabus