Functional Morphology of the Hominid Fossil Record

Evolutionary and functional morphology of the hominini; emphasizing species in the genera Australopithecus, Paranthropus and Homo. Focus on biomechanical studies of 1) the masticatory apparatus as it relates to evolutionary shifts in diet, 2) upper limb function as it relates to the evolution of manipulative capabilities in the context of tool use, and 3) pelvic and lower limb morphology as it relates to the emergence of bipedal locomotion and changes in brain size and life history.