ANTHRO 1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Foot Binding, Sunburn, Neuroplasticity
9 Mar 2018
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Document Summary
Human diversity is the result of adaptations to different environmental and biocultural influences. These adaptations are critical to withstand the physiological stresses of different environments. Differ in the degree to which genes are involved: proximate vs ultimate causality i. Biological responses to environment operate on two different levels: Tanning - uv radiation is necessary and lethal (sunburn (cell death) and mutations in cell reproduction (cancer)) Tanning mechanism - temporary increase in melanin production c. Can result from environmental pressures such as high altitude or cultural practices such as foot binding or corsets. Some traits that are acquired during life that have been passed on to offspring inter-generationally. Ex: brain plasticity and memory can be increased b. c. Ex: brain plasticity and memory can be increased. Natural selection could favor the capacity for these adaptations; behavioral plasticity = culture. Skin color and uv radiation a. b. c. d. e. Skin color is generally darker near equator, and a generally darker south.
