(773) 442-5860
Lesa Davis
Lesa
C.
Davis
Professor; Anthropology Coordinator
Anthropology
College of Arts and Sciences
(773) 442-5862
Courses Taught
ANTH 109b - FYE: Skeletons in Chicago Closets
ANTH 200 - Writing in Anthropology
ANTH 215 - Human Origins: Introduction to Biological Anthropology
ANTH 261 - Biology of Behavior
ANTH 282 - Primates of the World
ANTH 290 - Graduating Anthropology
ANTH 302 - Human Osteology
ANTH 323 - Evolution of Skin Color
ANTH 343 - Anthropology of the Body (w/ T. Luedke)
ANTH 356 - Human Variation
ANTH 368 - Primate Biology and Adaptation
ANTH 371 - Forensic Anthropology
ANTH 376 - Primate Behavior
ANTH 397 - Senior Seminar in Biological Anthropology
ANTH 3871-6 - Field Museum Internship
ANTH 3891-6 - Lincoln Park Zoo Research
Research Interests
My research explores how evolution has shaped the bones and joints of different primate species, and the role of phylogeny and ecology in these processes. I just finished a project on the skeletal adaptations and evolution of locomotion of pitheciin primates with SE Walker-Pacheco and our work is featured in a Cambridge volume on the pitheciins. I also recently co-edited a Springer volume on the biology, behavior, and ecology of the marmosets and callimicos of South America (see above). I am working on a new collaborative project that focuses on the anatomy and locomotion of the night monkey (genus Aotus). Other ongoing projects include the analysis of faunal remains from Suriname harpy eagle predation, and the foraging adaptations of the golden lion tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia). Finally, I am collaborating with two students on two projects, one involving the faunal remains from Suriname, and the other on the origins of malocclusion in postindustrial populations.
Education

Ph.D. Anthropology, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 2002

M.A. Anthropology,  Arizona State University, 1987

B.A. Anthropology, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, 1984

Selected Publications

Davis LC, Walker SE.  2013.  Functional morphology and positional behaviour in the Pitheciini. In:  LM Veiga AA Barnett, SF Ferrari, and MA Norconk (Eds).  Evolutionary Biology and Conservation of Titis, Sakis and Uacaris Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, pp. 84-96.

Ford SM, Porter LM, Davis LC.  2009.  The Smallest Anthropoids: The Marmoset/Callimico Radiation.  508 pgs.  New York: Springer.

Ford SM, Davis LC.  2009. The skeleton of Callibella humilis, a new species of marmoset. In: SM Ford, LM Porter, and Davis LC.  (Eds.):  The Smallest Anthropoids: The Marmoset/Callimico Radiation.  New York: Springer.

Walker SE, Davis LC.  2007.  Postcranial features of Cacajao with comparisons to Chiropotes and Pithecia.

Davis LC, Walker SE, Ford, SM.  2006.  Locomotion and skeletal differentiation within the Pitheciini.

Davis LC, Fitton LJ, Nickels MK.  2005. The introductory course in physical anthropology: a status report on its current nature and role.  American Association of Physical Anthropology Newsletter.

2005 Davis LC.  Anatomical correlates for trunk-to-trunk leaping in the forelimb and hindlimb of Callimico goeldii. Am J Phys Anthropol, Suppl. 40:115-116.

Ford SM, Davis LC.  2005.  The skeleton of Callibella humilis: functional and phylogenetic implications. Am J Phys Anthropol, Suppl. 40:128.

Davis LC, Ford SM.  2003. Comparative postcranial morphology of the marmosets.  Am J Phys Anthrop Suppl. 36: 84.

Davis LC.  2002.  Functional anatomy of the callitrichid forelimb and long bones.   Neotropical Primates 10 (2):98.

1996 Davis LC.  Functional and phylogenetic implications of ankle morphology in Callimico goeldii.  In MA Norconk, AL Rosenberger, PA Garber (Eds.): Adaptive Radiations of Neotropical Primatess, New York: Plenum Press, pp. 133-156.

Room BBH 144
Northeastern Illinois University
5500 North St. Louis Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
United States

(773) 442-5862
Office Hours
Fall 2024
Monday: Noon-1:00 p.m. and 3:00-5:00 p.m. by appointment
Wednesday: 3:00-5:30 p.m.
Other times, including weekend hours, by appointment.
Main Campus