Evolution of Primates and Paleo-anthropology

The micro-credential "Evolution of Man" is essential for lifelong learners due to its wide applicability in scientific fields such as biology, anthropology and archaeology. The focus on recent literature and scientific practice ensures that professionals stay up-to-date in their field. The course's interdisciplinary approach, which integrates anatomy, biogeography, and cultural evolution, is crucial for lifelong learners working at the intersection of different disciplines. This helps them develop a holistic understanding and collaborate more effectively in complex work environments.

For professionals in education, the course provides relevant knowledge that can be used in educational contexts, allowing teachers to share accurate and up-to-date information with their students. The insights gained into the evolution of primates, including humans, contribute to a deeper understanding of social structures and cultural developments. This is especially valuable for professionals in social and cultural studies, and for those working in museums and science communication. In short, this micro-credential offers versatile knowledge that meets the needs of professionals in various scientific and educational fields.

Course prerequisites

• No prior knowledge required
• Knowledge of the English Language is necessary

Final competences

• Students are well familiar with the overall trends that characterize the evolution of primates and man.
• Students can identify anatomical traits that characterise primates and human evolution, and put them within an evolutionary context.
• Students have an overview of the biodiversity and relationships of primate taxa, as well as of the fossil record that reflects human evolution, based on recent literature.
• Students have a good insight in the relation between morphological evolution, biogeography, and cultural evolution that typifies humans and their ancestors, and can interpret and critically evaluate the current hypotheses on human evolutionary relationships.
• Students can communicate the most important aspects of human evolution towards a broader audience, both within a scientific and societal context

Contents

In a first introductory part, the origin of mammals is discussed, followed by an overview of the most important primate characteristics, including tooth morphology, cusp terminology and some general adaptations to climbing. A concise but still broad overview is given of the biodiversity of recent Primates (e.g. makis, loris and bush babies, Tarsius, howler monkeys, capucins, baboons, macacs, colobus monkeys, gibbons, ourang outans; chimpanzees, gorillas) as well as of some important fossil groups (e.g. Plesiadapiformes, Omomyoidea, Adapoidea, Sivapithecus, Proconsul, ...). The origin of the primate body plan and the radiations within the group are discussed, where ruling hypotheses are mentioned, to understand the onset of human evolution. An extensive overview is given of the current knowledge of the fossil record of human ancestors and man (starting about 8 million years ago), with attention paid to their typical characteristics and phylogenetic relationships. Genera that are discussed are Sahelanthropus, Orrorin, Ardipithecus, Australopithecus, Kenyanthropus, Paranthropus and Homo. Some theories that provide an explanation for the origin of man are critically dealt with (e.g. savannah theory, aquatic ape theory, theories on the hypertrophy of the brain, ...). An overview is given of the stone tools technology within the genus Homo, as well as the origin of language

Practical organization

The educational activities are designed with flexibility for lifelong learners who combine work and study. The course uses lectures and a digital learning environment that ensures accessibility of teaching materials at different times and locations, allowing the study to be integrated into the busy work lives of participants.
 

Location

Faculty of Science, Campus Ledeganck, Ledeganckstraat  35, 9000 Gent.