From an evolutionary perspective, modern human bodies are surprisingly unremarkable compared to other species.

But what does that really mean?

In this SciCafe, Habiba Chirchir, assistant professor of anthropology at The Ohio State University, will explore the evolution of the “gracile,” or “slender-boned”, skeletons that characterize modern humans.

Drawing on her research on the relationship between skeletal structure and behavior, Chirchir examines evidence from the human fossil record, contemporary populations, and intriguing comparisons among closely related species, such as wolves versus domesticated dogs, arguing that humans have “domesticated” ourselves––and revealing the profound ways our biology and behavior have evolved.

Resources for SciCafe’s Frequent Geeks

Quick Pick: Gracilization of the modern human skeleton

Big Bite: How Humans Domesticated Themselves

Deep Dives

Gracialization of the Modern Human Skeleton

Recent Origin of Low Trabecular Bone Density in Modern Humans

SciCafe: Why Humans Are Unremarkable

Resources for SciCafe’s Frequent Geeks