the UCTV BLOG

Category: Anthropology

  • Unraveling the Origins of Folkloric Narratives

    In this episode from CARTA’s new series, The Role of Myth in Anthropogeny, scientist Brandon Parker explores the complexities of folkloric narratives and their origins. By dissecting their components and tracing their evolution, Parker illuminates how these narratives have been instrumental in shaping human cognition and society. Folkloric narratives, Parker explains, are not simple stories […]

  • Cellular and Molecular Explorations of Anthropogeny

    Can we improve the human condition? With the complete genomes of our closest existing and extinct relatives readily available, we stand at the doorstep of deep understanding of the molecular and cellular characteristics that have not only made us distinctly human but have imbued us with uniquely human traits, conditions, and diseases. This symposium explores […]

  • Death and Mortality: New Programs from CARTA

    Certain warm-blooded social animals and birds appear to react selectively and specifically to the death of other members of their group. Humans seem to be very unusual in the quality and extent of our responses – and in our ability to translate these experiences into an understanding of our personal mortality. When during childhood do […]

  • Origins of Genus Homo – CARTA

    Despite discoveries of remarkable new fossils in recent years, the evolutionary events surrounding the origins of genus Homo are incompletely understood. This fascinating CARTA symposium explores evidence bearing on the emergence of our genus. What forces caused the changes in diet and body form as our predecessors evolved toward Homo. Were there forces from within […]

  • The Domestication of Animals and Human Evolution

    What can the changes that made cuddly pets from steely predators tell us about ourselves? What do differences such as pointy ears or floppy ears, a long snout or a short one, a protruding jaw or a child-like face, or the timing and pace of brain development tell us? These are just a few of […]