1. The Anthropological Perspective on the Human Life Course
Chapter 13
The Anthropological Perspective on the Human Life Course

2. Chapter Outline Fundamentals of Growth and Development
Nutritional Effects on Growth and Development
Other Factors Influencing Growth and Development
The Human Life Cycle
Individuals, Society, and Evolution
Are We Still Evolving?

3. Growth and Development
Growth refers to an increase in mass or number of cells.
Development refers to differentiation of cells into different types of tissues.

4. Nutritional Requirements for Growth
Nutrients needed for growth, development, and body maintenance include: proteins, carbohydrates, fats, vitamins and minerals.
The amount we need of these nutrients coevolved with foods available to humans throughout evolutionary history.
The specific pattern of amino acids required in human nutrition reflects an ancestral diet high in animal protein.

5. Distance and Velocity Curves of Growth in Height For a Healthy American Girl
The distance curve shows the height attained in a given year.

6. Distance and Velocity Curves of Growth in Height For a Healthy American Girl
The velocity curve plots the amount gained in a given year.

7. Preagricultural, Contemporary, and Recently Recommended Diet
Total dietary energy (%)
Protein 33 12
Carbohydrate 46 58
Fat 21 42 30
Alcohol ~0
(7–10) —
Cholesterol (mg)
520
300–500
300

8. Preagricultural, Contemporary, and Recently Recommended Diet
Total dietary energy (%)
Fiber (g)
100–150
19.7
30–60
Sodium (mg)
690
2,300–6,900
1,000–3,300
Calcium (mg)
1,500–2,000
740
800–1,500
Ascorbic acid (mg)
440 90 60

9. Factors Influencing Growth and Development
Genetics
Environmental factors can influence growth and development, but an individual can not exceed their genetic potential.
Hormones
Thyroxine regulates metabolism and aids in body heat production. Growth hormone has an impact on almost every cell in the body.

10. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors, such as altitude and climate, effect on growth and development.
In Colorado, birth weight declined 3.6 ounces per 3,300 feet of elevation gain, even when gestational age, maternal weight gain, smoking, and prenatal care were considered.
Infectious diseases have their greatest impact during childhood and can delay growth, particularly when coupled with malnutrition.

11. The Human Life Cycle
Prenatal begins with conception and ends with birth.
Infancy is when the baby nurses.
Childhood is from weaning to puberty.
Adolescence is from puberty to the end of growth.
Adulthood is the completion of growth.

12. Life Cycle Stages for Various Animal Species

13. Diameter of Birth Canal and Head Length and Breadth of Newborns

14. Providing for Juveniles
Percent Who Survive
Weaning
Adolescence
Lion 28 15
Baboon 45 33
Macaque 42 13
Chimpanzee 48 38
Human Populations
!Kung 80 58
Yanomamo 73 50
Paleoindian 86

15. The Secular Trend in Age at Menarche in Europe

16. Approximate Maximum Life Span (in years)
Life Spans
Organism
Approximate Maximum Life Span (in years)
Bristlecone pine
5,000
Tortoise
170
Human
120
Blue whale 80
Indian elephant 70
Gorilla 39
Domestic dog 34
Rabbit 13
Rat 5

17. Changes in Life Expectancy Due to AIDS in Seven African Nations

18. Quick Quiz

19. 1. Which of the following is NOT correct regarding the pre-agricultural human diet? It was high in
protein.
complex carbohydrates.
fat.
fiber.

20. Answer: c
Which of the following is NOT correct regarding the pre-agricultural human diet? It was high in fat.

21. 2. Why are essential amino acids called "essential"?
These are the only proteins that the human body produces.
They must be produced when we are infants.
They must be obtained from the diet.
They cannot be absorbed in the gut.

22. Answer: c
Essential amino acids are called "essential” because they must be obtained from the diet.

23. 3. Studies show that children at high elevations are shorter than those at low elevations.
True
False

24. Answer: True
Studies show that children at high elevations are shorter than those at low elevations.

25. 4. Virtually all animals have clearly demarcated phases in their lives.
True
False

26. Answer: false
It’s false that virtually all animals have clearly demarcated phases in their lives.

27. 5. One of the primary ways that genes have an effect on growth and development is through their effects on
blood.
hormones.
bone growth.
organ development.

28. Answer : b
One of the primary ways that genes have an effect on growth and development is through their effects on hormones.