Human Evolution

Objectives

Approaching the human as a biological entity, this UC allows for an evolutionary journey starting at the origin and diversification of the early hominins until the evolutionary lineages that led to the genus Homo and the modern Homo sapiens. Here, we make use of the knowledge produced by several research areas such as, Paleontology, Archeology, Ecology, Genetics or Primatology to better understand the adaptive function of the anatomical and behavioral changes that took place over our evolution. We will discuss the evolutionary and taxonomic positioning of the modern Homo sapiens regarding the other hominins.

General characterization

Code

01105688

Credits

6.0

Responsible teacher

Tânia Minhós Condeço Rodrigues

Hours

Weekly - 4

Total - 168

Teaching language

Portuguese

Prerequisites

N/A

Bibliography

  • Boyd, R. & Silk, J. B., 2003. How humans evolved. 3rd Ed. London, W.W. Norton.
  • Cartwright, J., 2000. Evolution and Human Behavior. Cambridge, The MIT Press.
  • Casanova, C., 2006. Introdução à Antropologia Biológica: Princípios Evolutivos, Genética e Primatologia. Lisboa, ISCSP.
  • Jones, S., Martin, R. D. & Pilbeam, D. (eds.), 1995. The Cambridge Encyclopedia of Human Evolution. Cambridge, Cambridge University Press.
  • Relethford, J. 2010. The Human Species: An Introduction to Biological Anthropology. 8th Ed, New York, McGraw-Hill Companies.
  • Larsen, C. S. 2010. A Companion to Biological Anthropology. Oxford, UK, Wiley-Blackwell
  • Vieira, A. B., 1995. Ensaios sobre a Evolução do Homem e da Linguagem. Lisboa, Fim de Século Edições.

Teaching method

Part of the discipline consists of lectures, that, nevertheless, allows discussion of a few topics with the students. Other classes will be more practical where the students will engage in solving exercises, individually or in group, discuss scientific papers. Some documentaries related with the topics presented will be displayed in class, and discussed.

Evaluation method

Continuous assessment - Evaluation will be based on two exams: the first in the middle of the term (covering the topics taught until then) and the second in the end of the term (second part of the topics), the performance during exercises and the presence and participation of students in class.(100%)

Subject matter

Us as primates.
The geological time scale. The continental drift and climate change.
Methods of radiometric and relative dating.
Biology of skeleton and some methodologies used in their study.
Human Evolution
The first hominins and their characteristics
Phylogenies, morphology and behaviour of hominins
Use of tools, meat consumption and gathering behaviour
The hominins of Pleistocene
The anatomically modern humans
The Upper Palaeolithic technology
The behavioir of the anatomically modern Homo sapiens
Origin and dispersal of anatomically modern humans (genetic, fossil and archeological evidences)

Programs

Programs where the course is taught: