Biological Anthropology A : The Primates - BIOS3701

This course examines the study of primates (lemurs, lorises, monkeys, apes and humans) within comparative, functional and evolutionary frameworks. It details distinguishing features of the Order Primates. Primate diversity is considered through various approaches: by studying adaptations in anatomy and behaviour between and within major primate groups and their relationship to ecological variables, biological classifications and reconstructed evolutionary relationships, and the record of primates evolution via the complimentary lenses of evolutionary biology, palaeontology and genetics. The place of humans within the order primates is an important topic. Primate ecology and conservation are overviewed.

Note: This course is to be offered every second year (even years), commencing in 2010.