Bones to Behavior II

3 units

In this class, students will undertake zooarchaeological research on skeletal material in the zooarchaeology laboratory at Washington University and/or preparation of animal skeletons for comparative study and in collaboration with the St. Louis Zoo participate in behavioral studies of the ancestor of the donkey - the African wild ass. Collections housed in the zooarchaeological laboratory for study include ancient food-remains from African sites. These collections bear on questions regarding cultural and climate change in the Horn of Africa 12,000-2,000 years ago and include animals ranging from African antelopes to domestic camels. During the first half of the semester students will meet once a week for 2.5 hours in the zooarchaeological laboratory. Once the weather is above 40F after Spring Break, we will meet 9-11 twice a week, Mondays and Wednesday/Friday in the laboratory or at the zoo. Location will depend on projects selected for study. Permission of instructor is required. May be repeated for credit.