ANTH 0650 - MONKEYS, APES, AND HUMANS: AN INTRODUCTION TO PRIMATES

Minimum Credits: 3
Maximum Credits: 3
Long Description In this course, participants are introduced to the behavioral, biological, and social characteristics of our living primate relatives - galagos, lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, and the other apes. (Note that we are apes!) The beginning of the course focuses on the fundamentals of primate evolution, taxonomy, and ecology. We discuss various aspects of primate behavior including communication, social learning and tool use, self-medication, aggression, and cooperation. With these fundamentals established, we begin to survey the living primates. Each week, a different taxon (e.g., lorises, capuchin monkeys, spider monkeys, baboons, orangutans) is featured, and the geographic distribution, taxonomy, anatomy, behavior, and ecology of that group are examined. In addition to our study of specific primate groups, we examine the positive and negative consequences of human and nonhuman primate interaction. During recitation, participants are introduced to how primatologists study primate anatomy and observe primate behavior and sociality in captivity and in the field. This is achieved through virtual exercises and labs and primate observations at the Pittsburgh Zoo.
Academic Career: Undergraduate
Course Component: Lecture
Grade Component: LG/SNC Elective Basis

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