Learning objectives
The course has been designed to cover the biological course taken bythe Homo sapiens species during its spread with special emphasis on thephysical changes caused by occupation of multi-diversified environments.<br />Alsocovered will be the techniques of identifying this course (fossilfindings and related cultures, biological and genetic data of theliving native populations, dental characteristics, linguistic data) andbiological and genetic characteristics that differentiate various humangroups.
Prerequisites
No prerequisites.<br />
Course unit content
<br />Biological anthropology in the field of cultural heritage.<br />Cultural approach tothe modes of development to anthropological sciences: primary paradigmsthat over time have guided the understanding and interpretation ofnatural phenomena. Historical development of evolutionary theories.<br />Genetic characterisation of the human species. <br /><br />Evolutionary mechanisms. <br />Physical evolution of apparatus. Social relations, communication and language.<br /> <br /> <br />Human phylogeny. Hominids of the Pleistocene and Homo sapiens. <br />Theories of the genesis of Homo sapiens and their migration on a world scale: hypothesis and evidence. <br />Demic diffusion model. Key moments in human peopling (Durand) <br />Current peopling of the earth: principal ethnic groups and their characteristics. <br /> Biological study of human remains(with rudiments of human anatomy). Ancient DNA.- Osteology and skeletal indices.- Skeletal biology and paleopathology : traces of disease in bones. Analysis of biological data in the study of human peopling.- DNA analysis: Y chromosome and mtDNA. Biological data: genetic polymorphism and blood groups.- Formation of human language and use of linguistic data. <br />Global diffusion and occupation of multivariate environments Food requirements in various environments. Biological and cultural adaptation and preconditions. Evolution of pigmentary and tegumentary characteristics. Extreme climates: sub-arctic, desert, high-altitude, malarial areas. Adaptation in temperate areas, the tropics and urban and rural areas.<br />
Full programme
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Bibliography
Cavalli-Sforza L.L., Menozzi P., Piazza A. - Storia e geografia dei geni, Adelphi (collana Biblioteca Scientifica)
Teaching methods
<br />Lessonssupported by multimedial presentation featured with Microsoft Powerpoint.
Assessment methods and criteria
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Other information
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