Photo story: Holowka human paleontology class

Gwen Burrows documents her observations in Anthropology 461: Human Paleontology.

Assistant Professor Nicholas Holowka talks with student Ryan Gundrum during the class.

The course provides an in-depth survey of the human fossil record, including the anatomy and behavior of the many ancient human species that have walked the earth since humans' last common ancestor with chimpanzees.

Milena Romano carefully observes one of the specimens.

Students are able to compare the bones of humans (right) to those of chimps (middle) and macaques (left).

Madison Godwin takes careful notes.

Students examine bone fossils for clues to the evolutionary processes that led to the unique human form of bipedal walking.

Kevin Klier gets into the details.

A close inspection of the structure a hand.