Hominid Morphology - Lab Resources
Synopsis
Our "Male-Female Dimorphism in Hominids" lab engages students in comparing bonobos, chimpanzees, and humans by measuring 3D skulls and observing their behaviors (with videos) to explore the link between physical and social traits. The lab highlights how species with pronounced sexual dimorphism (chimps) often exhibit male-dominated hierarchies, while humans and bonobos, with less dimorphism, have likely underwent self-domestication—an evolutionary process leading to greater cooperation and reduced aggression. This hands-on investigation illustrates how culture and behavior can indeed influence biological evolution.
