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

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?

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Life Cycle Stages for Various Animal Species

Diameter of Birth Canal and Head Length and Breadth of Newborns

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

The Secular Trend in Age at Menarche in Europe

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

Changes in Life Expectancy Due to AIDS in Seven African Nations

Quick Quiz

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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