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Anthropology in Practice

Anthropology in Practice

Exploring the human condition.

Health

How does competitive eating represent us as Americans?

The United States marks its independence today with a few activities: parades, fireworks, and competitive eating contests. While there are many variations of the latter, the most famous is perhaps the one held at the Coney Island landmark Nathan's, where competitors have to consume as many hot dogs (including their buns) as possible in 10 minutes.Considering that this is a nation that counts calories but spends heavily at fast food restaurants, it is no wonder the event is a spectacle...

July 4, 2013 — Krystal D'Costa
Evolution

What Can Social Behavior in Lemurs Tell Us About Ourselves?

Lemurs can be deceptive. Most animals are—it comes in handy when you're competing for food or mates, or trying to hide from a predator. However, lemurs are particularly interesting because they can possibly help us better understand the development of our own sociality.The social intelligence hypothesis maintains that primate brains evolved in response to a need to manage the complexities of social life, particularly relationships—alliances and friendships, after all, are instrumental within day-to-day networks...

July 2, 2013 — Krystal D'Costa

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