Discussion 1

We know from the fossil evidence that bipedalism evolved before larger brains and other characteristics of modern humans. Scientists have come up with various hypotheses to explain why humans initially became bipedal. Using the material in the textbook, summarize the hypothesis that you think best explains why bipedalism first evolved, and then explain why you think this hypothesis is the most convincing. Your initial post should be at least 250 words in length.

Discussion 2

Field notes are a very important part of anthropological research. Anthropologists use their field notes to make records about what they are seeing and thinking while conducting research. For your collaboration you are being asked to make your own field notes, based on the assigned course materials. As you read the assigned material or watch an assigned video for this week, download the Weekly Study Field Notes document and fill out a new set of field notes in which you are expected to write down important concepts, parts of your reading that you might have questions about, or even content that you find surprising or interesting. Just like the notes that an anthropologist makes in the field, your notes must be clear and easy to read because you will be uploading and sharing them with your peers in the collaboration.

Textbook Feder, K. L. (2013). The past in perspective: An introduction to human prehistory (6th ed.). New York, NY: Oxford University Press.