What is Anthropology?
•Anthropology is the broad study of humankind
around the world and throughout time.
•It is concerned with both the biological and the
cultural aspects of humans.
There are four main subdivisions
(areas) in the study of
Anthropology:
•
•
•
•
Physical Anthropology
Archeology
Cultural Anthropology
Linguistic Anthropology
We will focus on the following in
this course…
Physical
Anthropology:







Theory of Evolution
Origin of Humans
Primatology
Evolutionary Timeline
Genetic Inheritance
Physical Adaptations
Anthropologists:


Darwin
Leakey's
Cultural
Anthropology:





Definition and Aspects of
Culture
Race as a Social
Construct
Race and Adaptation
Participation/Observation
Anthropologists:



Jane Goodall
Franz Boas
Margaret Mead
Physical Anthropology
Where did
we come
from?
How did
our bodies
evolve?
Why are
humans a
unique
species?
Examine the photographs.
Donald Johanson and “Lucy”
Jane Goodall observing
Chimpanzees
Physical
Anthropology
Paleoanthropology
Study bone and
stone remains
Primatology
Study primates.
Human Variation
Compare and
contrast existing
human populations
Read the textbook on the discovery of Australopithecus Ramidus (pg.
41), Australopithecus Afarensis (pg. 38), and Homosapiens
Neandertalensis “Neanderthal ” (pg. 42). In point form, record the
importance of the discovery of these human species.
Define and explain the significance of “bipedalism.”
Shows that
our human
ancestors
were
walking
upright
much
earlier than
once
thought.
Walked
upright and
could also
move in the
trees.
Adult human ancestor.
Walked upright and had
the ability to speak.
Bipedalism: standing upright with our
lower limbs for support and locomotion.
It is the single feature that separates us
from closest relatives (chimpanzees)
Debate
about
whether
they are
our direct
ancestors
or lost out
to modern
humans in
survival of
the fittest.
Interbred
with
humans.
Burial site
show
abstract
thinking
(spirituality)
. Made
and used
complex
tools and
lived in
caves.
Humans and Primates: Our
Unique Connection
 Similarities






to Primates:
Manoeuvre arms flexibly in all directions
Nails instead of claws
Opposable thumb to grasp
Fast responding nerves from brain to hand
Rely largely on eyesight
Can judge distances – 3D Vision
Humans and Primates: Our
Unique Connection
 Characteristics





Unique to Humans
Walk upright “bipedalism”
Largest, most developed brain
Form close, long-lasting relationships
Humans communicate complex ideas through
spoken language (can teach their young)
Can think critically and abstractly
Interesting Lectures
 What
separates us from
chimpanzees?
 Why
aren’t chimps still
evolving into humans?