Description:

This course is an introduction to selected concepts and principles important to an understanding of evolutionary forces and their influence on the physiology and behavior of humans. The importance of the scientific method will be explored. Awareness of humans and their place in nature will be achieved by examining basic genetics, micro- and macroevolution, primate ecology and behavior, the paleoanthropological evidence for human evolution, and modern human adaptation and variation. 3 hrs./wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Use the scientific method in the analysis of problems.
2. Demonstrate an understanding of evolutionary theory in terms of molecular genetics, inheritance, microevolution and macroevolution.
3. Identify the patterns of physiological and behavioral adaptation for the major classes of primates.
4. Trace the evolution of fossil hominids using paleosteological, archaeological, and genetic evidence.
5. Identify the effects of biocultural evolution on modern human adaptation and variation.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction to Physical Anthropology
   A. Compare/contrast physical anthropology to other fields in
anthropology
      1. Socio-cultural anthropology
      2. Archaeology
      3. Linguistics
      4. Applied
   B. Define science
      1. Discuss hypothesis testing
      2. Compare/contrast dynamism of science with staticism of dogma
   C. Explore the development of the evolutionary theory
      1. Review the steps leading from Aristotle’s static Great Chain of
Being to Darwin’s dynamic process of natural selection 
      2. Discuss in detail the process of natural selection 
         a. Differential mortality and fertility
         b. Variety, the spice of life

II. Human biology and adaptation
   A. Examine biological basics
      1. Define chromosomes
      2. Detail differences between mitosis and meiosis
      3. Discuss DNA and explore the role it plays in cell division and
protein synthesis
   B. Review the development of Mendelian (monogenic) genetics
      1. Particulate inheritance
      2. Segregation
      3. Independent assortment
      4. Dominant/recessive traits
   C. Explore problems
      1. Meiotic: Chromosomal abnormalities
      2. Genetic: X-linked traits
   D. Analyze polymorphic blood systems and their anthropological value
      1. The ABO system
      2. The Rhesus system
      3. Use Punnett squares to explore inheritance patterns
   E. Examine the forces of evolution
      1. Define:
         a. Mutation
         b. Gene flow
         c. Genetic drift
         d. Natural selection
      2. Investigate the impact of the various forces on a hypothetical
population
   F. Compare/contrast polygenic and monogenic traits
      1. Detail role of polygenic traits in phenotypic adaptation
      2  List phenotypic traits displaying continuous variation (polygenic
traits)
         a. Hair color
         b. Body mass
         c. Intelligence
   G. Review the role that the development of agriculture had in the
spread of infectious disease
      1. Discuss paleopathology and the evidence of health in past
populations
      2. Explore the interaction of biology and culture in:
         a. Malaria
         b. Hookworm
         c. Syphilis
   H. Examine the polygenic nature of human physical diversity
      1. Recognize that simple classification schemes do not work for
humans
      2. Detail the interaction of UVB radiation and degree of latitude
with variation in pigmentation
         a. Melanoma
         b. Rickets
      3. Explore the development of the “race” concept and its lack of
biological validity
      4. Examine the impact of racism on the study of IQ

III. Primates
   A. View examples of the different types of primates
      1. Prosimians
      2. Monkeys
         a. The Americas
         b. Africa/Eurasia
      3. Apes/Humans
   B. Detail the characteristics that define and differentiate primates
from other mammals
      1. Generalized dentition and skeleton
      2. Elaborated visual apparatus and decreased sense of smell
      3. Elaborated brain
      4. Tendency toward orthograde posture
      5. Increased maternal investment in offspring
   C. Define the traits that differentiate the various primate groups from
each other
   D. Using casts of primate skulls and jaws
      1. Examine differences in dentition and orbits
      2. Compare members of same group by similar features
      3. Contrast members of differing groups by dissimilar features
      4. Obtain an understanding of the relative size differences between
the various primates
      5. Determine how to differentiate males from females
   E. Explore primate behavior
      1. Examine the impact of lack of appropriate mothering models on the
mothering behavior of captive vs. wild primates
      2. Detail the various types of tool use and other learned behaviors
among chimps
      3. Investigate the results of habitat destruction and poaching on
primates
      4. Analyze the language studies among the apes
      5. Compare/contrast chimpanzee behavior with human behavior

IV. Paleoanthropology
   A. Detail the development of the primate order during the last 65
million years
      1. Discuss major primate finds of each epoch
      2. Examine casts of fossil primate skulls
   B. Explore methods of evaluating fossil material
      1. Dating methods
      2. Taphonomy
      3. Intermembral index
      4. Comparative skeletal analysis with living populations
   C. Examine evidence of Mid-Pleistocene hominids
      1. Detail mosaic evolution of skull, dental and skeletal features
      2. Explore movement of hominids from Africa into Eurasia
      3. Discuss in detail Neanderthals and their place in our ancestry
         a. Morphological similarities
         b. Behavioral similarities
         c. Sites showing transition from more robust body/face
(“Neanderthal”) to more gracile body/face (“modern”)

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

   Four Examinations      50% of grade
   In Class Activities    25% of grade
   Research Project       25% of grade
                         100%

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.