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.