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Human ecology

Human ecology. Context and Analysis (Refer to Chapter 2, Bates). Carrying capacity ecosystem habitat genes evolution cultural evolution. Horticulture intensive agriculture pastoralism political ecology industrial agriculture culture stability. Key concepts. Legacy.

jana-mooney
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Human ecology

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  1. Human ecology Context and Analysis (Refer to Chapter 2, Bates)

  2. Carrying capacity ecosystem habitat genes evolution cultural evolution Horticulture intensive agriculture pastoralism political ecology industrial agriculture culture stability Key concepts

  3. Legacy • Evolutionary processes: biological, environmental, cultural

  4. The path toward evolutionary thinking • Darwin, Wallace, Mendel

  5. Darwin

  6. Wallace

  7. Mendel

  8. Archaeological and DNA evidence strongly support African Genesis of modern humans • 200,000-140,000 years ago modern humans migrated out of Africa onto Eurasian continent replacing other human species in these regions. • Humans reached North and South American continents around 20,000* years ago.

  9. Archaeological evidence • Camps • Biological • DNA, mtDNA • skeletal remains • skeletal morpholog • artifacts • tools • agricultural adaptation

  10. mtDNA • Mitochondrial DNA is the primary genetic evidence. • Plentiful in cells; fewer genes; known rate of mutation; is not affected by sexual reproduction; passed intact mother to daughter.

  11. Darwinian evolution by natural Selection • Natural selection is the process, genetics is the mechanism. • Populations evolve, not individuals • Selection is neither random nor purposeful: what is good for the organism today may not be in a different context or environment.

  12. Evolutionary process • Can be slow or quick • Operates only with existing genes • Most mutations are fatal • Adaptation means: best able to reproduce within specific constraints--usually through accommodation to niche environments.

  13. Biocultural co-evolution • Heritable genetic variations that impact behavior. • The behaviors that manifest are not driven by genetics but provide potential.

  14. Example of recent genetic evolution interacting with behavior • Lactose tolerance: lactase production into adulthood • Between 9000-3000 years ago, rour independent mutations in Europe and parts of Africa . • Benefit: allowed greater exploitation of herd animals: increased food supply for populations having the gene.

  15. Best human adaptation • Culture • A key characteristic is group behavior • Humans interact with environment through technology. • Technology is a special form of material culture. • Agriculture is a technology that alters nature and alters environmental niche.

  16. Human Ecology/Culture Ecology • Recognizing the role humans play in shaping their environments and the feedback from nature that impacts human development physically and/or culturally

  17. Is all culture learned or are there gene-based cultural behaviors? • Is all culture epigenetic or are some traits “hardwired” like the capacity to create language?

  18. Complex graphic organizer or concept chart

  19. Assignments • Prepare for Quiz 1 (Thursday) • Review main concepts and persons from Chapter 1 and 2 in Bates • Be comfortable with the glossary terms at the end of each chapter.

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