Craig Eric Morris
EVOS, Aspects of Evolution, and Sex
September 10, 2012
Academic Building A G008, 5:00 PM
Abstract
The EVOS program teaches evolution in a truly integrated fashion, beginning with core principles and extending in all directions from the biological sciences to all aspects of humanity. This introductory seminar will address course procedures as well as general information on EVOS activities and research opportunities. I will elaborate on “evolutionary theory as toolkit” as expressed in the classic 1963 paper by Nikolaas Tinbergen, “On Aims and Methods of Ethology.” I will also give an example of how evolutionary theory is used to understand facets of a complex human behavior—sex. Topics will include pregnancy and lactation; effects of high testosterone in males; strategies for selecting and attracting a mate; and an elaboration of the “adaptive vs. adaptation” discussion as relates to female orgasm.
Biography
Craig Eric Morris has degrees in advertising from Pennsylvania State University and anthropology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. He received his MA in biological anthropology from Binghamton University and continues his studies there as a PhD candidate with Chris Reiber, David Sloan Wilson, and Ann Merriwether. Craig has taught courses in evolutionary theory, biomedical anthropology, and the evolution of human sexual behavior. His research interests include Evolutionary Medicine, evolutionary models of human sexual behavior, and human pair bond formation and dissolution.
Reading
Tinbergen, N. 1963. “On aims and methods of ethology.” Zeitschrift für Tierpsychologie 20:410-433.