LASS 851 - Human Origins and Primates

An anthropological perspective on evolution, biology, ecology, and behavior of nonhuman primates from prosimians to great apes. Students are introduced to the principles of evolution and adaptive trends. The course focuses on the successful terrestrial species of Old World monkeys and the apes – the gibbon, orangutan, gorilla, and chimpanzee. Comparisons are made among nonhuman primates and our own species regarding diet, locomotion, tool use and manufacture, modes of communication, social behavior and social systems, motherhood and child care, aggression, “cultural” behavior and recent trends in nonhuman primate behavior studies. Films are an important part of the course. Formerly HU 260A

Prerequisites & Notes
Prerequisite: LACR 102

Credits: 3 cr, 3 hrs