19-106 HUMAN EVOLUTION
Louise Grabell, Fridays 10 am - 12 noon
Cactus Room, January 11, 18, 25, February 1, 8
Human Evolution is a five-part exploration into the origins of Homo sapiens, starting with the extensive fossil evidence found on the continent of Africa. Understanding human evolution also requires some understanding of the basic concepts of evolution as a process, and discussion of whether humans are, indeed, still evolving. The mechanism for change in all organisms is genetic, and in that light, some time will be devoted to show how DNA can change, and how the environment played an influential role in determining the qualities of the modern-day human species. Participants will gain an understanding of and appreciation for the outcomes of human evolution and our ancestral heritage through a close examination of the fossil record and historical migrations of our closest human relatives.