PALEOANTHROPOLOGY AT PENN STATE
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
We study the evolutionary history of humans and other primates from a comparative and paleontological point of view. At present we are not carrying out field work, but rather are involved in a set of laboratory research projects concerning the evolution of locomotion and diet.
RESEARCH EMPHASES
1) Using ultra-high-resolution microCT in conjuction with finite element analysis to understand the
distribution of forces in trabecular bone in the limb bones of modern primates so that we can reconstruct the locomotion of extinct primates more accurately.
2) Using CT and ultra-high-resolution microCT of modern primate and other mammal skulls to image and quantify properties of the semicircular canals. These structures are tuned to the jerkiness of a species' locomotion. By quantifying the relationship between canal properties and locomotion we can then assess the canals of extinct primates in order to reconstruct their locomotion more accurately.
3) Using tandem-scanning confocal microscopy and surface texture analysis to quantify the surface of teeth of extant and extinct primates and assess the relationship between wear and diet. This work is carried out in collaboration with colleagues at the University of Arkansas. http://comp.uark.edu/~pungar/;
4) Dr Alan Walker is interested in primate and human evolution, particularly involved in trying to extract behavior from the fossil record he is also interested in using molecular data to document the splitting times of primate lineages. This work is done in collaboration with colleagues at Penn State . http://evo.bio.psu.edu/hedgeslab/ and Arizona State http://www.kumarlab.net/
DEPARTMENT PALEOANTHROPOLOGISTS
Nina G Jablonski Head of Anthropology Department Human Biology, Primatology (ngj2@psu.edu)
Jeffrey Kurland, Associate Professor, Behavioral evolution
Joan Richtsmeier, Professor, Cranofacial morphometrics, development, and diseases,
primate evolution
Timothy Ryan, Research Associate of Anthropology and Geo Engineering.
Alan Walker, FRS Evan Pugh Professor of Anthropology & Biology
DEPARTMENT FACILITIES AND RESOURCES
Morphometrics Lab, with microscopy and high-throughput computing
Anthropological Genomics Lab
Evolutionary and Developmental Genetics Lab
Bioarchaeology Lab
COURSES
ANTH 401 HUMAN EVOLUTION: THE MATERIAL EVIDENCE
BIOL 421COMPARATIVE ANATOMY OF VERTEBRATES
ANTH 463 QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS OF MORPHOLOGICAL DATA
GRADUATE APPLICATION AND UNDERGRADUATE REGISTRATION INFORMATION
LINKS
