Natural Sciences

History of Anthropology from Erodotus to the recent developments of the evolutionary theory. Basic concepts of systematics, with special attention to methods and concepts applicable to Primates. General aspects, taxonomy and origin of Primates. Evolutionary Anatomy of Primates: vision, posture and locomotion, morpho-functional aspects of upper and lower limbs, masticatory apparatus and teeth. The Encephalization process in Primates, with special attention to Humans. Social structure and behaviour of Primates, with special attention to modern Humans. Basic concepts in Primate Conservation. Basic concepts on principal dating methods to be applied to human evolution with examples. Genus Australopithecus: geographic distribution, Morphological and chronological features and variability. Genus Ardipithecus: geographic distribution, Morphological and chronological features and variability. Genus Homo: Morphological, cultural and chronological features and variability.of H. habilis, H. erectus/ergaster, H. heidelberghensis, H. neandertalensis, H. antecessor, H. sapiens. The issue of emergence of anatomically modern humans through fossils and cultural record. The neolithization process: Comparing hunter gatherers and food producers The genetic polymorphisms of DNA and proteins: proteic synthesis, concept of allele and haplotype Intrinsic microevolutionary factors: mutation and recombination, with special attention to human evolution. Extrinsic microevolutionary factors: dirf, selection and gene flow, with special attention to human evolution. Relations between malaria and human evolution: main genetic adaptations. Relations between genetic and linguistic diversity in human populations. The physical characters: stature, weight, body surface and skin colour. Genetic and physiological adaptations in relation to the environmental factors. The role of culture in human diversity.

Basic knowledge in Biology, Genetics and Zoology is important.

Giovanni Destro Bisol, Marco Capocasa: Italiani. Come il DNA ci aiuta a capire chi siamo (Carocci, 2016) The course slides available online (e-learning) for attending students.

Lectures are provided (5 credits). To develop the ability to apply knowledge, 6 exercises are planned, lasting two hours each (1 credit), in which students will be subjected to problems and exercises on aspects of anthropometry and population genetics. The use of telematic supports is foreseen and reflective or self-directed learning is favored.

Attendance is optional.

Oral exam with possible topic presentation for attending students. Knowledge in primatology, paleontology and genetics with reference to human evolution are tested. In the evaluation of the exam, the determination of the final grade takes into account the following elements: 1. knowledge in the primatological field 30% 2. knowledge in the paleontological field 40% 3. knowledge in the primatological field 30%. the mastery of notions, (b) the capacity for logical argumentation; (c) the use of appropriate language and terminology. Sufficient knowledge of the n. 1,2,3 is a necessary condition for the achievement of an evaluation equal to 18. The marks above 24 will be attributed to students whose tests show a good knowledge of the aspects n. 1,2,3. Grades above 24 will be awarded to students whose tests show an excellent knowledge of aspects n. 1,2,3. The vote will be modulated taking into account elements (a), (b) and (c).

Spedini: Antropologia Evoluzionistica, PICCIN Manzi G. Il grande racconto dell'evoluzione umana

Lectures are provided (5 credits). To develop the ability to apply knowledge, 6 exercises are planned, lasting two hours each (1 credit), in which students will be subjected to problems and exercises on aspects of anthropometry and population genetics. The use of telematic supports is foreseen and reflective or self-directed learning is favored.