The main objective of this proposal is to clarify the ecological conditions in East Africa at the time our early ancestors were evolving. Suids (pigs) are very well represented in the fossil record of the area and are sensitive to ecological changes. The PI will construct a temporally controlled history of suid taxonomic diversity and relate it to ecological change. In this manner the research may help to clarify the conditions under which our species evolved. In addition, pigs are the only East African large-bodied, dietary generalists other than hominids. Thirdly, the species diversity of suids and hominids are approximately parallel over this time period. Thus the reconstruction of suid evolution will provide information on several aspects of hominid evolution.
