Homework: Intro to Phys Bio Anthropology Fossil Analysis
Instructions
Using the information [osteological data, paleoenvironmental data, stable isotope data and cultural data] presented above, you will analyze and discuss the following five behaviors/factors:
1) Locomotion: How did they move about their environment?
2) Diet: What kind of food did they eat? Territoriality over food?
3) Tool Use: Did they use tools? If so, what kind of tools and what were they used for?
4) Social Structure/Mating Pattern: Noyau, pair-bonded, polyandry, s-m polygyny, m-m polygyny? How many males/females mated and other possible behaviors (choice, mate-defense, promiscuity, dominance hierarchy, alpha-males regulating other male mating behavior, sneaker males etc...); Territoriality?
5) Taxonomy: Are your fossils hominins? If so, assign them to a taxonomic group (genus, species). You can assume all of the skeletons belong to the same genus and species. Use popper binomial nomenclature (i.e. yoursis Homo sapiens)
* Analyze each behavior/factor independently of all others! Please head each section of your analysis with the behavior you are analyzing. NOTE: There will be overlap and repetition in your analysis, it is okay.
When discussing the possible anatomical and social behaviors of these fossils, please consult your book and past lectures in the Primate and Hominin sections of the course. It is here that you will find the information you need in order to explain the possible "behaviors" of your fossils.
Remember to support your discussion with evidence from the readings as well as the described skeletal characteristics above. Do not just list or briefly discuss possible anatomical/social behaviors. For example, if you think the rocks are tools, why do think so, how do you know? If you think these fossils are hominins how do you know this, what evidence (physical, environmental, cultural etc.) indicate this?
Take the perspective that YOU are the teacher and I am your student. When you write to your audience (me) you can assume I am an educated individual but I do not have any knowledge of this topic. Therefore, in your report you will need to educate your reader as to why the skeletal anatomy and rocks, suggest certain behaviors. Providing evidence for your discussion is the difference between an A/B and a C (or lower)!
Useful readings/videos include:
1) Primate Social Systems/Communication
2) Primate Mating Systems
3) Primates as Models for Early Human Behavior
4) Comparative Anatomy
5) Reconstructing Ancient Environments, Locomotion and Diet
6) Australopithecine and Early homo lectures
Format your homework according to the following formatting requirements:
(1) The answer should be typed, double spaced, using Times New Roman font (size 12), with one-inch margins on all sides.
(2) The response also includes a cover page containing the title of the homework, the student's name, the course title, and the date. The cover page is not included in the required page length.
(3) Also include a reference page. The Citations and references should follow APA format. The reference page is not included in the required page length.