The course deals with the various aspects of the evolution, phylogenomics and behavior of the primate order. Primate evolution is illustrated from their morphological characteristics, geographic distribution, ecological adaptation, behavior, social evolution and conservation
Fleagle, J (2013). Primate adaptation and evolution (third edition). Academic Press.
Strier KB (2016). Primate Behavioral Ecology (fifth edition). Routledge.
Wich SA &Marshall AJ. (2016) An introduction to primate conservaton. Oxford Univ. Press
Learning Objectives
Knowledge acquired: Acquire a solid epistemological and cultural preparation in Primatology.
Competence acquired
Acquire useful techniques and methods for the understanding of Primatology from the, molecular, genetic and behavioral perspective. From the level of individuals, populations and species.
Skills acquired (at the end of the course):
The capacity to work in the field of Primatology in ample autonomy, as well as the capacity to work in groups while valorizing ones owns competence and that of others. The capacity to assume responsibility for projects on primate evolution, ethology and conservation.
Prerequisites
None
Teaching Methods
Total hours of the course (including the time spent in attending lectures, seminars, private study, examinations, etc.): 150
Hours reserved to private study and other individual formative activities:102
In class lectures and other activities (hours): 48
Further information
4 hours of weekly classroom activities and lessons. Aids in support of the classroom activities and lessons include video clips and films of primate behavior. Each student is provided with a pdf of the powerpoint presentations and pertinent articles from the scientific literature
Type of Assessment
Una prova finale per esame orale. La valutazione è espressa da apposite commissioni.
Parte del voto finale potrà essere determinato sulla base di un breve testo di ricerca e/o su una presentazione fatta durante il corso.
Course program
The course reconstructs with the comparative method the evolutionary tendencies and primary adaptations, which characterize the Primates. The following subjects will be covered: Theories on the origins of primates. Morphological characteristics of the primates. Distribution of primates. Systematics of primates. Differences in the classifications based on morphology, genetics and behavior. Physical structure of primates. Variability in body size. Anatomy including characteristics and diversity in the morphology of the skull and teeth of primates and specific adaptations in respect to ecology. Various types of locomotion and morphological adaptation. Parameters of the life history of primates. General tendencies in primate evolution. The course will explore the relationships between phylogeny, sexual selection, kin selection, social structure, ecology and the role of culture in adaptation.