This course on the Natural History of Humans is divided into two modules. The first module deals with the paleontological and morphological evidence of human evolution. The second module presents the genetic evidence of human evolution and aspects of current human biological variability.
G. Biondi, O. Rickards – Umani da sei milioni di anni. terza ed. Carocci, Roma, 2017.
G. Manzi – Il grande racconto dell'evoluzione umana. Il Mulino, Bologna 2013.
D. E. Lieberman – La storia del corpo umano. Evoluzione, salute e malattia. Codice edizioni. 2014.
G. Chelazzi – L'impronta originale. Storia naturale della colpa ecologica. Einaudi, 2013.
C. Tuniz, G. Manzi, D. Caramelli – La scienza delle nostre origini. Laterza, 2013.
Wood B. 2008. Evoluzione umana. Edizioni Codice.
Chiarelli B. 2003. Dalla natura alla cultura. Vol. I. Piccin.
Spedini G. 2005. Antropologia evoluzionistica. 2° edizione. Piccin.
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired:
Acquire a solid epistemological and cultural preparation in Anthropology.
Competence acquired
Acquire useful techniques and methods for the understanding of the evolution of humans and non-human primates from the paleontological, morphological, molecular, genetic and behavioral perspective. From the level of individuals, populations and species.
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
The capacity to work in the field of anthropology in ample autonomy as well as the capacity to work in groups, while Each student is evaluated by a final oral examination before specifically formed commissions valorising ones own competence and that of others. The capacity to assume responsibility for projects in regards to aspects of anthropological analyse
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc...): 150
Hours reserved to private study and other indivual formative activities: 102
Contact hours for: Lectures (hours): 48
Further information
Frequency of lectures, practice and lab:
4 hour os lessons per week.
Teaching tools
Powerpoint presentations, Video clips and films of primate behavior.
Type of Assessment
Each student is evaluated by a final oral examination before specifically formed commissions
Course program
The course of Anthropology presents the study of humans as a zoological species. The following arguments are developed:
Anthropology as the Natural History of Humans. The genetic basis of evolution, Biomolecular aspects of evolutionary processes, genetic markers. Influence of the environment on the evolution of populations and species. The concept of the species and the evolution of the species. Living primates: the biological and genetic basis of diversification in the primates. The genome of the primates and the origin of the human genome. Dating methods and the time of primate evolution. Variation in the distribution of land masses and climate during the evolution of the primates and the origin of humans. Fossil evidence of primate evolution and hominid origins. Origins of modern humans from a biomolecular and anthropological perspective. Posture and locomotion in the primates. Origin of bipedalism in humans. The differentiation of the limbs and trunk of primates. Evolution of primate and humans hands. The evolution of the crania in relationship to bipedalism and the evolution of intelligence.