PALEOBIOLOGY OF ANCIENT POPULATIONS

Università degli Studi
"G. d'Annunzio"

Chieti - Pescara

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Single discipline educational activity

Course Sheet

Course code:

POPANT001

Academic Year of enrolment:

2019

Year of supply:

2020/2021

Type of Course:

Characterising

Degree:

Course of 2nd Cycle Degree in CULTURAL HERITAGE: ARCHAEOLOGY AND HISTORY OF ART

Disciplinary Sector:

Anthropology

Location:

CHIETI

Credits:

Programme Year:

Professor and Collaborators:

VICIANO BADAL JOAN ANTONI

Cycle:

First semester

Hours of classroom activity:

Individual study hours:

108

Prerequisites:

Basic knowledge of human skeletal anatomy, human evolution and the basic methodologies of physical anthropology is required.

Objectives

The course aims to provide in-depth knowledge (i) on the evolution of hominids, and (ii) methods of investigation for the reconstruction of the paleobiology of ancient human populations. At the end of the course the students is going to have acquired knowledge about the archaeological evidence of the development of the material and intangible cultures of prehistory, as well as the techniques to outline the biological profile, the paleodiet, the migratory movements and the health status of an inhumed, cremated or mummified skeletal individual and, more in general, of the population to which they belong. In addition, students must have acquired the skills necessary for the identification of skeletal changes attributable to pathological conditions.

Contents

The topics of the course complete the training undertaken by the students with the course of Physical Anthropology (Course of Study OBC7 - Cultural Heritage). The course, in particular, deepens (i) aspects of the evolution of primitive populations, and (ii) the study methods necessary to reconstruct the paleobiology, health status and behavioral models of ancient human populations. The skeletal and dental alterations related to the activities performed during life (so-called occupational indicators) and to the state of health (object of study of Paleopathology) will be examined.

Extended Syllabus

PART 1: PALEOBIOLOGY AS SCIENCE
Definition and purpose of Paleobiology.
Nature and characteristics of the fossil record.
Taphonomy: the processes of fossilization.
Types of fossils.
Fossils and evolutionary history.

PART 2. PALEOANTHROPOLOGY
Our oldest mammalian ancestors.
Systematics and taxonomy.
The first ideas of evolution.
Human origins: the evolution of hominids.
Main migratory processes: the spread of man in Africa and in the temperate regions of Europe and Asia.
Human language in hominid communication.

PART 3. OSTEOARCHEOLOGY
Taphonomy in archaeological contexts.
Assessment of the degree of preservation of the skeleton.
Analysis of the paleobiology of ancient populations (estimation of the biological profile, activity patterns, pathological conditions, etc.).

Recommended Bibliography

Research materials:
J.E. BUIKSTRA, Ortner’s identification of pathological conditions in human skeletal remains, London, 2019
K.R. BURNS, Forensic anthropology training manual. Pearson, New York, 2013.
L. CAPASSO, K. KENNEDY, C. WILCZAK, Atlas of occupational markers on human remains. Edigrafital, Teramo, 1999.
R.B. ECKHARDT, Human paleobiology. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2004.
R. JURMAIN, L. KILGORE, W. TREVATHAN, Essentials of Physical Anthropology. Wadsworth, Belmont, 2009.
F. MALLEGNI, Come eravamo: l’evoluzione umana alla luce delle più recenti acquisizioni. LTU Guarguaglini, Pisa, 2001.
D.R. PROTHERO, Bringing fossils to life: an introduction to Paleobiology. Columbia University Press, New York, 2013.
D.H. UBELAKER, Enterramientos humanos: excavación, análisis, interpretación. Aranzadi, Donostia, 2007.

Teaching Methods

Frontal lectures and practical exercises. The latter will focus on the study of casts.

Evaluation methods

Verification of learning:

The exam will consist of an oral test.

Contacts/More Information

Student reception on Tuesday at 10:00–12:00 AM at the Operative Unit of Anthropology (c/o University Museum).

Università degli Studi
"G. d'Annunzio"

Chieti - Pescara

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