Human Life History Theory

3 units

Life history theory postulates that organisms must allocate finite time and finite resources between growth, maintenance, and reproductive effort. This balance will necessitate trade-offs in specific traits related to body size and energy allocation between competing functions across the life of the organism. In this class, we will start from this broad theory and look at the specific application of life history theory within anthropology. Humans, in particular, present unique and unusual life history characteristics, which we will discuss in depth.