Chapter 1 Introduction to Physical Anthropology

Physical Anthropology Study of human biology in the framework of evolution. Subfields:  Paleoanthropology - human evolution  Anthropometry - measurement of body parts  Primatology: study of nonhuman primates  Osteology: study of skeletons

Hominids Humans are hominids, belonging to the taxonomic family Hominidae. Bipedalism, walking on two legs, is a critical feature of the hominids. Humans are members of the Order Primates, the group of mammals that includes prosimians, monkeys and apes.

Early Hominid Footprints - Laetoli, Tanzania The tracks to the left were made by one individual, while those to the right appear to have been formed by two individuals, the second stepping in the tracks of the first.

Question The mammalian group that humans belong to is the Order a) Carnivora. b) Rodentia. c) Primates. d) Chiroptera.

Answer: c The mammalian group that humans belong to is the Order Primates.

Species A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Members of one species are reproductively isolated from members of all other species.  They cannot mate with them to produce fertile offspring.

Evolution A change in the genetic structure of a population. The term is also frequently used to refer to the appearance of a new species.

Adaptation An anatomical, physiological, or behavioral response of organisms or populations to the environment. Adaptations result from evolutionary change.

Evolution Microevolution  Small genetic changes that occur within a species. Macroevolution  Changes that occur only after many generations, such as the appearance of a new species (speciation).

Culture Culture is the strategy by which humans adapt to the natural environment. Culture is learned, and the process of learning one’s culture begins at birth. Even though culture isn’t genetically determined, the human predisposition to assimilate culture is influenced by genetics. Over time, culture and biology interacted so that humans are said to be the result of biocultural evolution.

Biocultural Evolution The concept that biology makes culture possible and that developing culture further influences the direction of biological evolution. This is a basic concept in understanding the unique components of human evolution.

Culture  technologies  subsistence patterns  housing types  clothing  religion  marriage and family  values  gender roles Strategies humans use to adapt to their environment:

Behavior Anything organisms do that involves action in response to internal or external stimuli. The response of an individual, group, or species to its environment. Such responses may or may not be deliberate and they aren’t necessarily the results of conscious decision making, as in one-celled organisms, insects, and many other species.

Subfields:  Paleoanthropology - human evolution  Anthropometry - measurement of body parts  Primatology: study of nonhuman primates  Osteology: study of skeletons

Paleoanthropology Paleoanthropologists excavating at the Drimolen site, South Africa.

Primate paleontology The study of the primate fossil record that extends back to the beginning of primate evolution some 60 million years ago (mya). Virtually every year, fossil-bearing beds in North America, Africa, Asia, and Europe yield new discoveries. By studying fossil primates and comparing them with anatomically similar living species, primate paleontologists are learning a great deal about factors such as diet or locomotion in earlier forms.

Anthropometry Anthropology student using spreading to measure cranial length.

Modern Population Studies This researcher is using a treadmill test to assess a subject’s heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption.

Modern Population Studies Dr. Kathleen Galvin measures upper arm circumference in a young Maasai boy in Tanzania. Data derived from various body measurements, including height and weight, were used in a health and nutrition study of groups of Maasai cattle herders.

Genetics and DNA Genetics is the study of gene structure and action and the patterns of inheritance of traits from parent to offspring. Genetic mechanisms are the foundation for evolutionary change. DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) is the double- stranded molecule that contains the genetic code.  DNA is a main component of chromosomes.

Cloning Cloning and sequencing methods are frequently used to identify genes in humans and nonhuman primates. This graduate student identifies a genetically modified bacterial clone.

Primatology Yahaya Alamasi, a member of the senior field staff at Gombe National Park, Tanzania. Alamasi is recording behaviors in free- ranging chimpanzees.

Primatology The study of nonhuman primates. Because nonhuman primates are our closest living relatives, identifying the factors related to social behavior, communication, infant care and reproductive behavior helps us develop a better understanding of the natural forces that shaped modern human behavior.

Osteology The study of the skeleton. A thorough knowledge of skeletal structure and function is critical to the interpretation of fossil material. Bone biology and physiology are of major importance to many other aspects of physical anthropology besides paleontology. Paleopathology, a subdiscipline of osteology, is the study of disease and trauma in archaeologically derived skeletal populations.

Forensic Anthropology An applied anthropological approach dealing with legal matters. Forensic anthropologists work with coroners and others in identifying and analyzing human remains.

Forensic Anthropology Physical anthropologists Lorna Pierce (left) and Judy Suchey (center) working as forensic consultants. The dog has just located a concealed human cranium during a training session.

Forensic Anthropology Forensic anthropologists at the location on Staten Island where all materials from the World Trade Center were taken for investigation after September 11, The scientists are wearing HAZMAT (hazardous materials) suits for protection.

Human Anatomy Dr. Linda Levitch teaching a human anatomy class at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.

Question Physical anthropologists developed techniques for measuring the human body. These type of measurements are called: a) calibration b) dermatoglyphics c) genetics d) anthropometrics

Answer: d Physical anthropologists developed techniques for measuring the human body. These type of measurements are called anthropometrics.

Ethnocentric Viewing other cultures from the inherently biased perspective of one’s own culture. Ethnocentrism often results in other cultures being seen as inferior to one’s own.

Anthropological Perspective A broad perspective that helps us understand the diversity of the human experience within the context of biological and behavioral continuity with other species. By learning about cultures other than our own, we can avoid an ethnocentric view of other cultures. By recognizing that we have similarities with other animals, we may recognize that they have a place in nature just as we do.