Anthro 3304 - Bones to Behavior: Undergraduate Research in the Lab and at the Zoo

Institution:

Washington University in St Louis

Subject:

Description:

We undertake zooarchaeological study of equid skeletons in the zooarchaeology laboratory at Washington University, and in collaboration with the St. Louis Zoo, participate in a behavioral study of the courtship and breeding behavior of the ancestor of the domestic donkey, the African wild ass. The research questions that we focus on are how the biology and behavior of the African wild ass influenced the domestication of the donkey by prehistoric African herders or ancient Egyptians and how the behavior of the African wild ass continues to affect prospects for conservation of this highly endangered animal. During the first half of the semester, we meet once a week for 2.5 hours in the zooarchaeology laboratory on Mondays from 9-11:30 a.m. After spring break, or earlier if weather is above 40ºF, we no longer meet in the lab, and each student spends 9-11 a.m. on two mornings of their choice per week at the St. Louis Zoo conducting observations of the wild ass. Students may choose two days, including Saturdays or Sundays, that fit their schedule. Permission of instructor is required.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.wustl.edu

Phone Number:

(314) 935-5000

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

Calendar System:

Semester

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