Course Description:
Human or non-human skeletons can shed light on the animal’s locomotion, diet, and other behaviors
that do not preserve with the bones, and reflect the relationship between the biological organism and its
physical environment. Non-human animal bones are found abundantly in archaeological sites and can
reveal much about a past people’s way of life and climatic conditions. Human bones are also found in
archaeological contexts sometimes commingled with nonhuman remains, and in unfortunate modern
contexts of genocide, human rights violations, domestic and international terrorism, and daily acts of
homicide. Whether it is for bioarchaeology, zooarchaeology, paleoanthropology, forensic
anthropology, primatology, or functional anatomy, it is necessary to know the skeletal anatomies of
human and non-human animals. This course serves as an introduction to comparative skeletal anatomy
for anyone interested in these fields and wishing to learn the basic methods in identifying the bones of
humans and other mammals and birds. In addition to identification, the functional aspects of anatomy
are discussed from evolutionary and ecological perspectives. The format of the course will be hands-
on laboratory experience with the bones, fieldwork observing various biological organisms in its
habitat, and lectures.
Course Objectives:
• To learn methodologies in osteology
• To learn basic field techniques for observing living organisms
• To learn how to design and carry out a research project, collect necessary information, analyze,
interpret, and explain the results
• To improve oral communication skills via presentations to an audience
• To think from a holistic perspective
Required Texts (order your own prior to arriving in Ometepe):
Searfoss, Glenn. "Skulls and Bones: A Guide to the Skeletal Structures and Behavior of North American Mammals". Mechanicsburg, PA: Stackpole Books, 1995.
White, Tim D., and Pieter A. Folkens. "The Human Bone Manual". Amsterdam: Elsevier Academic Press, 2005.
Additional readings and handouts in the Ometepe Biological Research Station Library
Materials needed for the course:
Laptop (electricity 110/120V like USA so no converters needed but flat blade plug adapter necessary)
Digital camera with cable to download images onto laptop
Flashdrive (might need to transfer images and files back and forth our computers)
Notebook, pencils, pens
A list of suggested personal items will be emailed beforehand |
Suggested readings:
Davis, Simon J.M. "The Archaeology of Animals". New Haven: Yale University Press, 1987.
Gilbert, B. Miles. "Mammalian Osteology". Columbia, MO: Missouri Archaeological Society, 1993.
Jenkins, Farish A., ed. "Primate Locomotion". New York: Academic Press, 1974.
Kardong, Kenneth V. "Vertebrates: Comparative Anatomy, Function, Evolution". Dubuque, IA: Wm. C. Brown Publishers, 1995.
McGowan, Christopher. "A Practical Guide to Vertebrate Mechanics". Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 1999.
O’Connor, Terry. "The Archaeology of Animal Bones". Stroud, Great Britain: Sutton Publishing, 2000.
Course Requirements:
Class participation: Due to the short duration of the course, the two weeks will be intense at times. It is
expected that each student will fully participate in the laboratory component in learning the osteology
of various animals and be engaged in class discussions and fieldwork. On the days when readings
have been assigned, it is expected that the students will read the materials before attending the lecture.
Attendance in all lectures, laboratory, and field sessions is required.
Research project and paper: Each student will design and carry out a research project on skeletal
anatomy and function. You are to choose a specific species of mammal/bird/reptile from the Ometepe
skeletal collection and turn in a written research proposal that outlines the species and methodologies
you intend to employ. You must receive the instructor’s approval for the proposed project before
proceeding. Throughout the two weeks, we will be observing various organisms in its natural habitat,
or other settings in the case of domesticated animals. For the organism that you choose, you are to
observe the organism and its numerous behaviors such as locomotion and diet, and collect the
information about the animal that is relevant to its skeletal anatomy. Taking field notes and digital
images of the organism are essential and should be used in the oral presentation. There will be times
set aside during the course for students to conduct independent fieldwork to collect information. A
written report of the project is due a week after the conclusion of the course which is to be emailed as
an attachment to the instructor. The report should include the methodology, captured images,
diagrams of skeletal anatomy and other figures, analysis and interpretations of anatomy and function,
etc. It should be well-written as any academic work with proper citations.
Research project presentation: Each student will orally present their project to the class using captured
digital images, bones, and other visual aids. This gives everyone an opportunity to learn a great deal
about other animals in Ometepe.
Final exam: There will be both a practical and written component in the exam that covers all the
materials in the course. Students will be identifying the bones in the practical component, and in the
written component, students will address questions pertaining to functional anatomy and other
concepts.
Class participation 25 points
Research project and paper 35 points
Research project presentation 15 points
Final exam 25 points
Total 100 points
Course Schedule (flexible):
Day 1: Arrive at Ometepe and orientation
Day 2: Human skeletal anatomy and function
Human osteology and physiology
Bipedalism, quadrupedalism
Lecture, lab, explore field station
Day 3: Evolution and ecology of non-human primate skeletal anatomy
Lecture, field observation with “Primate behavior and ecology” class
Day 4: Non-human primate skeleton: howler monkey
Biomechanics
Lecture, lab, field observation with “Primate behavior and ecology” class
Visit the hacienda and captive capuchin
Day 5: Basic quadrupedal mammalian skeletal anatomy and function, domestic dog
Lecture, lab, field observation
Visit San Ramon waterfalls
Choose a research project
Day 6: Visit El ojo del agua and beach
Day 7: Carnivore skeletal anatomy and function: domestic cat
Lecture, lab, field observation
Written research project proposal due
Day 8:Herbivore skeletal anatomy and function: horse, deer, sheep
Lecture, lab, field observation, independent fieldwork
Day 9: Omnivore skeletal anatomy and function: domestic pig
Reptile skeletal anatomy and function: snake, frog
Avian skeletal anatomy and function
Applications in academic disciplines
Lecture, lab, field observation, independent fieldwork
Day 10: Visit the Maderas volcano
Day 11: Research project presentations
Kayaking in the lake
Day 12: Final exam
Day 13: Leave Ometepe
Email research project paper a week later
Daily Schedule (tentative and flexible):
7:00 am Breakfast
8:00 am – 12:00 pm Lecture (60-90 minutes) and lab
12:00 pm Lunch
1:00 – 6:00 pm Lab/field observation/work on assignments/course activities
6:00 pm Dinner
7:00 – 9:00 pm Free time |
