ANTH 549

Primates and Food

Broad overview of primate nutritional ecology, examining both sides of an evolutionary process: how primate adaptations improve success in acquiring nutrients, and how plant adaptations discourage or encourage herbivory. Studies the chemical properties of food as well as primates anatomical, physiological, and behavioral adaptations to their food. Includes critical examination of dietary reconstructions in our own human ancestors, considering whether these are useful in understanding contemporary human dietary choices and adaptations

Units: 3.0