This course is a general introduction to the field of biological (physical) anthropology in which we will examine humans and nonhuman primates (prosimians, monkeys, and apes) and their ancestors from an evolutionary perspective. We will begin with the fundamentals of evolutionary theory and genetics as background material. Next, we will examine morphological and behavioral variation among nonhuman primates to gain perspective on the evolution of human biology and behavior. We will then trace the fossil record of human evolution 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 defined biological and genetic variation among modern humans.

Recommended textbook    Biological Anthropology: A Synthetic Approach to Human Evolution. Second Edition. by N. T. Boaz and A. J. Almquist