C9838 - ANTROPOLOGIA BIOLOGICA

Learning outcomes

The course focuses on the study of the natural history of humankind, considering its origin, morphological and biocultural evolution, biological variability, and mechanisms of adaptation to the environment, with reference to the diversity of present and past human groups and the methodologies used to study them. By the end of the course, students will have acquired adequate knowledge of the methods used to analyze human biodiversity and its biological and adaptive significance, as well as the ability to interpret the complex biocultural and biogeographical relationships among human groups.

Course contents

The course focuses on the study of the biological and evolutionary history of the human population according to an integrated bio-cultural approach, in order to understand the demographic dynamics and adaptive processes that have characterized its history.

In particular, the course program will cover:

1. Human biodiversity, genetics and genomics of human populations.

Definition of biological anthropology and differences between cultural and biological anthropology. Relationships with other disciplines (archaeology, paleontology, genetics, anatomy, medicine)

Basic concepts on cell structure, genetics and population genetics. Definitions of population, species, evolution, adaptation, variability). Microevolutionary factors useful for understanding how human variability is generated (mutation, recombination, genetic drift, gene flow and natural selection). Introduction to taxonomy and phylogeny from Primates to Homo sapiens. Genetic maps: history and geography of human genes. Methods of analysis and measurements of the genetic diversity of human populations. Concept of race and biogeographical ancestrality. Why there are no biological races (continuous variation, local adaptations, clines and gradients)

2. Evolution of the human body

Origin of bipedalism (advantages, costs, anatomy)

The evolution of the brain. The process of encephalization, language and higher cognitive functions). Cooking and eating meat. From the diet of hunter-gatherers to that of farmers. Industrial revolution and evolutionary mismatch

3. Biodemographic and adaptive dynamics of human populations.

The contribution of ancient DNA to the study of the peopling of Eurasia and the Mediterranean area. The analysis of ancient DNA to discover diseases, diet and life of the past. Biodemographic dynamics from the past to the present. Isolation, migrations and mixing. Phylogenetic analysis and genetic reconstruction of the history of human population and migration dynamics. Human adaptation and environmental pressures.

4. Biological Anthropology and Forensic Anthropology

Ancient DNA and new technologies in forensic anthropology. Analysis of kinship relationships, geographical origin, isotopic analysis.

Readings/Bibliography

Power point presentations of the lessons and recent in-depth papers.

Suggested texts:

Luca Sineo, Jacopo Moggi Cecchi (a cura di), Manuale di Antropologia. Evoluzione e biodiversità umana, Utet Università, 2022

Gianfranco Biondi, Olga Rickards-Umani da sei milioni di anni. L'evoluzione della nostra specie- Carocci ed, 2024

Destro Bisol Giovanni; Capocasa Marco - Come il DNA ci aiuta a capire chi siamo. ed IL MIO LIBRAIO

D. E. LIEBERMAN: La storia del corpo umano. Evoluzione, salute e malattia. Codice Ed., 2014.

Teaching methods

The course consists of frontal lectures related to the topics of the programme that can be supplemented by seminars on specific topics. Students will be encouraged to take an active part in the lessons through interventions, questions, requests for clarification and/or insights.

Assessment methods

The assessment of student learning consists of an oral test, which can be sustained from the first useful scheduled exam after the end of the lessons, concerning the topics indicated in the course programme. At the begin of the exam, the student may propose to deal with a topic of choice, which will obviously follow the verification of the preparation on other topics of the program.

Students not attending. The program of the course is the same for both students attending and not attending. The frequency of the lessons is strongly recommended for the achievement of a good profit, however, students who for valid reasons cannot attend the course are invited to consult the teacher, during the office hours, for the suggestion of the necessary supplementary texts.

As far as learning verification is concerned, the use of AI is prohibited. Any use constitutes a violation of academic integrity.

Teaching tools

Slide projection and PowerPoint presentations. Seminars on specific topics and case studies held by specialists.

Students with a specific learning profile or with a temporary or permanent disability are invited to contact the Disability and SLD Office (https://site.unibo.it/studenti-con-disabilita-e-dsa/en/for-students as soon as possible, which will provide support in identifying the most suitable solutions for their needs.

Office hours

See the website of Donata Luiselli