Unit information: Primatological Context to Biological Anthropology in 2012/13

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Unit name Primatological Context to Biological Anthropology
Unit code ARCH20026
Credit points 10
Level of study I/5
Teaching block(s) Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24)
Unit director Professor. Alex Bentley
Open unit status Not open
Pre-requisites

Introduction to Biological Anthropology
Co-requisites

None
School/department Department of Anthropology and Archaeology
Faculty Faculty of Arts

Description including Unit Aims

Humans are primates, and share 65 million years of evolutionary history with this order. In this unit, the comparative framework provided by primatology for the study of human behaviour, adaptability, and evolution will be described. Subjects to be covered will include primate origins, the evolution and diversity of primates, patterns of primate foraging and subsistence strategies, reproduction and sociality. The unit will include field trips to collections of primates in Bristol Zoo.

Aims:

  • To enable you to understand the main research areas within primatology and to recognize the issues threatening primate populations today
  • To provide you with practical experience of research techniques

Intended Learning Outcomes

  • Describe the key features that define the order of primates and different taxonomic groups
  • Identify primate species and be able to place them in their correct family
  • Recognize key issues surrounding primate reproduction, ecology, social behaviour and intelligence
  • Understand the principles and definitions of behavioural ecology
  • Identify the advantages/ disadvantages of research techniques
  • Write a research report
  • Discuss the main threats to the conservation of primate populations
  • Identify key research resources, international legislation and conservation agencies concerned with non-human primates species

Teaching Information

lectures and practicals

Assessment Information

  • A 60 minute short answer class test: 50% of the marks.
  • A research report (up to 3,500 words)*: 50% of the marks.

Reading and References

Core Text:

Strier, K.B. (2003). Primate Behavioral Ecology (2nd edition). Boston: Allyn and Bacon. (ASS)

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