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

PreagriculturalDiet

ContemporaryDiet

RecentlyRecommended

Total dietary energy (%)

Protein 33 12 12

Carbohydrate 46 46 58

Fat 21 42 30

Alcohol ~0 (7–10) —

Cholesterol (mg) 520 300–500 300

Preagricultural, Contemporary, and Recently Recommended Diet

PreagriculturalDiet

ContemporaryDiet

RecentlyRecommended

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

1. Prenatal begins with conception and ends with birth.

2. Infancy is when the baby nurses.

3. Childhood is from weaning to puberty.

4. Adolescence is from puberty to the end of growth.

5. Adulthood is the completion of growth.

Life Cycle Stagesfor Various Animal Species

Diameter of Birth Canal and Head Length and Breadth of Newborns

Providing for JuvenilesPercent 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 50

The Secular Trend in Age at Menarche in Europe

Life Spans

OrganismApproximate 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

a) protein.

b) complex carbohydrates.

c) fat.

d) 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"?

a) These are the only proteins that the human body produces.

b) They must be produced when we are infants.

c) They must be obtained from the diet.

d) 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

a) blood.

b) hormones.

c) bone growth.

d) organ development.

Answer : b One of the primary ways that genes

have an effect on growth and development is through their effects on hormones.