ASSIGNMENT 1

Anthropology 103

Non-human Primates

Due Monday October 3rd

Humans belong to the order of Primates, which we share with a diverse array of apes, monkeys, and prosimians. While archaeologists focus specifically on the material remains of tool-using humans (tools ranging from broken rocks to iPods), the study of non-human primates, both living and extinct, is extremely important for a full understanding of the human past.

For this assignment you will need to read two articles from Scientific American about non-human primates. PDF versions of these articles are available in the “Files” tab on Canvas under “Assignment #1 Readings.” Everyone must read “Planet of the Apes” and choose ONE among “Bonobo Sex and Society,” “Diet and Primate Evolution,” and “Why are Some Animals so Smart.” These articles are all available for download on the course Canvas website. You should also review your textbook. After reading these articles and digesting all of the information on non-human primates, write a 3-5 page paper discussing:

Based on “Planet of the Apes”:

• Compare and contrast Miocene apes with modern apes and humans. What do scientists think caused the changes in apes at the end of the Miocene?
• Why is it not entirely accurate to say that “man evolved from chimpanzee?”

Based on the other chosen article:

• How does the study of living non-human primates help to understand human behavior? Give specific examples from the article.
• What are some problems with projecting the behavioral traits of modern non-human primate into the deep human past?

Based on all the reading:

• In your own words, why are non-human primate studies important for understanding the human past?

Your paper must be double-spaced with a 12 pt. font (Times New Roman or Arial) and 1-inch margins. Grades will be based on clarity, brevity, and over-all writing style, as well as your discussion. I expect and integrated, well-written essay NOT a paper that simply goes through and answers the above questions one by one. You will submit your assignment via Canvas

Make sure you write this paper in your own words (paraphrase). Do not plagiarize materials from the text or from any other written work, including materials from the web. You do NOT need to do any research beyond the articles and text, but if you do use outside sources, you must include an in-text citation and a full citation in a bibliography at the end.

HAVE FUN!