Evolution is one of the central, unifying theories of biological science. As Theodor Dobjansky wrote "Nothing in biology makes sense except in the light of evolution". This course pursues an integrative approach to the study of human evolution. We will begin by introducing the scientific method and discussing how it applies to the study of biological evolution. This discussion is followed by an introduction to the fundamentals of evolutionary theory. We will examine forces that affect populations of living organisms, leading to evolutionary change over time. This portion of the course is illustrated by examples of human variation and discussion of the extent to which this variation can be explained by the forces of evolution. After the first exam, we will introduce the Order Primatis and discuss its origins. We will continue by discussing morphological and behavioral variation among nonhuman primates in order to gain perspective on the evolution of human biology and behavior. Then we trace the fossil record leading from the first primates to modern humans, focusing on the biological and behavioral changes that have occurred during the course of human evolution. Finally, we will look at evolutionary factors that have defined biological and genetic variation among modern humans.

Recommended textbook    Clark Spencer Larsen. 2008. Our Origins.