Winn

Alexa Winn
Matt Wilson
Writing 2
7 December, 2015
WP2 Final Portfolio Draft
How does giving a friend your snack better their chance at survival and
lower your own? In addition to answering this strange question, Biological
Anthropology, also called Physical Anthropology, studies interesting topics like
where humans came from and how they have become the most advanced
species. Biological Anthropology is particularly interesting because it is a perfect
balance between humanities and science. There are various conventions like,
the flexibility of the major, how research is pursued, and classroom setting that
distinguish Biological Anthropology from any other discipline.
The department page for the Undergraduate Program, is generalized. The
page states, Most undergraduates in anthropology at UCSB select this major
because of the opportunity it affords them to acquire a sound liberal education,
even if they do not intend to become anthropologists (UCSB undergraduate
anthropology department web page). This statement serves its persuasive
purpose by showing that a degree in anthropology can be applicable anywhere
and graduates dont necessarily have to become anthropologists. The
department sees familiarity in the field of anthropology as a positive thing
because it helps better communication skills and understand social interactions.

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Aside from understanding social interactions between species, the main

idea of biological anthropology is natural selection. In Human Evolution:
Processes and Adaptations, Professor Gaulin argues natural selection through
rhetorical strategies used in his textbook. One of the strategies he uses are
examples of observational research conducted by other professionals in the field.
In his work, Gaulin gives an example of natural selection from the natural
research of Y.E Stuart on the Anolis lizards. I have purposely chosen a study
that is rather similar but more recent and more complete in the sense that it
considers multiple different hypotheses Anolis sagrei seems to be dominant to
Anolis carolinensis because, where the two species occur together, Anolis
carolinensis is forced to use higher (and hence smaller) perches than where it
occurs alone... (Gaulin 25). This example was to educate students about natural
selection by studying lizards in their natural habitats and comparing their
behavior. He explains that each lizard species gathers food in similar ways but
when put together, the least dominant species has to adapt their way of eating in
order to survive. Those able to nourish themselves by developing favorable traits
to access food were better able to reproduce and survive. The same trial and
error process happens in humans. These real life examples make reading about
Biological Anthropology interesting to students because they understand the long
process it took to build their bodies for our modern day society.
Professor Steve Gaulin, offers Biological Anthropology as an Introductory
class to Undergraduate students at the University of California at Santa Barbara.
Biological Anthropology is distinguished from other classes because of the

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differently structured lectures. Most incoming students do not have a solid

foundation in evolution, Professor Gaulin does his best to thoroughly teach the
concept and explain the material as the class goes on. He has two lectures
rather than one. He posts lecture modules on Gauchospace that give
supplemental understanding of the assigned reading and an in-class lecture
consisting of a PowerPoint with questions asked by the student. His various
teaching methods give an individual supplemental understanding.
Gaulins use of technology is a vital element to the class. His use of
PowerPoint helps students grasp a visual understanding on the material taught.
He inserts a lot of pictures, videos and diagrams for students to visualize what
they are learning. He also posts I-Clicker poll questions. I-Clicker is another
learning tool he uses to teach the class. He uses I-Clicker to his advantage by
using it as a checkpoint to see if students understand his teaching. If the class
seems divided on the answer, he takes the time to ask students why the incorrect
answer is correct, checks to see what they say misunderstood and reveals the
correct answer with a brief explanation.
Evidently, Biological Anthropology teaches students about the origins of
humans and their unique adaptations. This is a key aspect on what makes it
unique. Many conventions distinguish it from any other class at UCSB, some of
those including the way research is conducted and the way class is held.
Biological Anthropology affects every one of us, people who advance in the field
go on to learn critical thinking skills and have a better understanding of mankind.

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