Workshop on 'Phylogenetic comparative methods in evolutionary anthropology' (Beijing)  

The Theoretical Ecology Research Group, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences (China) and Human Evolutionary Ecology Group, University College London (UK) cordially invite you to a workshop on phylogenetic comparative methods in evolutionary anthropology, November 4-5, 2013. 

Organizer 

Yi Tao (Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences) 

Ruth Mace (Department of Anthropology, University College London) 

Ting Ji (Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences)   

Invited speakers 

Ruth Mace (University College London) 

Tom Currie (University of Exeter) 

Kit Opie (University College London)  

Workshop Description 

Using evolutionary theories to study animal and human behavior has greatly improved our understanding of how human beings adapted to various environments, and how these adaptations shaped human behavioral diversity. Cross-cultural comparison is a powerful way to test the evolution of biological and cultural diversity and has been widely used to investigate fundamental questions. However, both cross-cultural and cross-species comparison could be problematic if the historical relationship between cultures or species is not taken into account. Phylogenetics that reconstructs and analyzes evolutionary relationship based on inherited traits is proved to be a useful tool to solve this problem. The innovative phylogenetic comparative method has provided new insights to understand behavioral variation, and becomes increasing important in evolutionary anthropology. 

This is the first course on applications of comparative methods and phylogenetics in evolutionary anthropology held in China. The aim of this workshop is to bring together scholars involved in relevant disciplines, such as human behavior ecology and cultural evolution / or primatology interested in applying comparative methods and phylogenetics in different issues, and to promote the interdisciplinary study of evolutionary anthropology in China. The workshop will be composed of courses, practices and discussions. 

Proposed themes 

• Introduction to using comparative methods to test evolutionary hypotheses 
• Using phylogenetic methods to study primate social systems 
• Application of phylogenetic comparative methods in evolutionary anthropology 

Workshop participation 

• Workshop is in English 
• Maximum number of participants is 20 
• The participants are required to have basic knowledge in evolution or biology 
• Participants will do practice using computer during the workshop, and therefore should bring a laptop 
• The workshop will be held at Jiuhua Resort & Convention Center, Xiaotangshan, Changping District, Beijing, China. http://www.jiuhua.com.cn/ 
• The workshop is open to all, but with priority to Chinese attendees if oversubscribed 

Workshop fee 

The total fee of this workshop is ￥500 for students, and￥1000 for other attendee, including course fees, food, and free accommodation (only four-bed room is provided); participants must bear their own costs if they need single or double room (single/double room: ￥280-360/day) 

If you are interested in attending the workshop, please email your name, affiliation, contact information, as well as a short statement of your research interests to Ting Ji at jiting@ioz.ac.cn. 

Workshop Schedual 

Sunday 2013-11-3 

15:00 Registration 

18:30 Welcome + Plus talk 

Monday 2013-11-4 

8:30-9:30 Opening 

9:00-10:30 Talk 

10:30-10:45 Tea break 

10:45-11:45 Practice and discussion 

11:45 Lunch 

14:00-15:30 Talk 

15:30-15:45 Tea break 

15:45-17:15 Practice and discussion 

18:30 Dinner 

Tuesday 2013-11-5 

9:00-10:30 Talk 

10:30-10:45 Tea break 

10:45-11:45 Practice and discussion