Anthropology Exam 3/26/26

Anthropology

The study of human societies and cultures and their development.

Cultural Anthropology

The scientific study of human societies, cultures, and their development.

Archaeology

The scientific study of the human past through the material remains people leave behind.

Linguistic Anthropology

How language shares, social life, cultural, beliefs, and human cognition.

Biological Anthropology

The scientific discipline studying the biological and behavioral aspects of humans, our extinct ancestors, and non-human primates.

Anthropology as a holistic discipline

Studies the entire human condition—past, present, biology, society, language, and culture, assuming that all aspects of human life are interconnected.

Modern Human Variation

Explores how human body is affected by different physical environments, cultural, influences, and nutrition.

Paleoanthropology

Study of human ancestors from the past to learn how, why, and where they evolved.

Primatology

The study of anatomy, behavior, ecology, and genetics of living and extinct non-human primates.

Molecular Anthropology

Use molecular techniques to compare an ancient and modern populations.

Bioarchaeology

Study human skeletal remains along with surrounding soils and other materials.

Forensic Anthropology

Use same techniques as bio archaeologists to develop profile for identified individuals.

Evolution

The process of change in the inherited traits of populations, such as animals over successive generations.

Biocultural Evolution

The dynamic, continuous process where human biology and culture co-evolve with cultural practices (technology, social norms) shaping, genetic selection over time.

Nature and Nuture

Humans are products of these both. One refers to inherited traits, genetic makeup, and evolutionary history. The other is education, environment, culture, and social interactions that make up a person.

Biological Anthropology

Is a natural and a social science. It's rooted in the natural sciences, focusing on the study of humans, non-human primates, and extinct human ancestors. It's a social science because it's study of the relationship between human biology and culture.

Gelada Baboons

These monkeys are endemic to Ethiopia.

Lip Flip

The gelada baboon engages in this display of aggression and intimidating behavior.

The Scientific Method

(1) Observe. (2) Question. (3) Research. (4) Hypothesize. (5) Experiment. (6) Test Hypothesis. (7) Draw Conclusions. (8) Report.

Hypothesis

To explain observations, predict the results of future observations. Can be refused by new evidence. This is a prediction.

Theory

Developing a new idea based on hypothesis.