Primatology

Teaching Methods

Presentation of powerpoint files; Internet research; visit to the collection of primates of the Zoological Museum; visit to the Primate skeletons in the Anthropological Museum.

Learning Outcomes

Since man is himself a primate, it is imperative that his natural history comprises knowledge on the order he belongs to. On this curricular unit, we will analyze the evolutionary history of primates as regards the contextualization of the evolution of man.

- Competence in analyzing and synthesizing;

- Competence in problem solving;

- Use of the Internet as a communication tool and as a source of information;

- Competence in critical thinking;

- Competence in autonomous learning;

- Adaptability to new situations;

- Initiative and entrepreneurial spirit;

- Concern about quality;

- Competence in apply theoretical knowledge in practice;

- Research competences.

Work Placement(s)

No

Syllabus

Objectives of Human Paleontology;

Brief history of Human Paleontology;

Primatology;

The living primates;

General characterization and geographical distribution;

Systematics and classification;

The life of primates: diet, habitat, locomotion, sexual dimorphism;

The social life of primates: organization of a few primate societies;

Prosimians;

New world monkeys;

Old world monkeys;

Hominoids;

Paleoprimatology;

Notion of geologic time;

Notions of taphonomy;

Dating methods;

The evolutionary history of primates, from Eocene to Miocene.

Head Lecturer(s)

Ana Maria Gama da Silva

Assessment Methods

Continuous
Research work: 25.0%
Exam: 75.0%

Bibliography

Fleagle, J. (1998). Primate evolution and adaptation. NY: Academic Press.

Falk, D. (2000). Primate diversity. NY: Norton & Company