Biological Anthropology: Foundations, Evolution, and Diversity

Flashcards covering foundational concepts in biological anthropology as discussed in the lecture notes.

What is the primary focus of biological anthropology?

The study of human biology, bodies, evolution, and how environment and culture shape biological diversity and adaptation.

Why is the ladder image of human evolution considered misleading?

It suggests a linear progression from monkeys to humans; evolution is a bushier tree with multiple branches and last common ancestors.

What does 'last common ancestor' mean in human evolution?

A point in the past where lineages diverged; many species today have distinct evolutionary histories beyond that ancestor.

Name three cultural adaptations that help humans live in diverse environments.

Clothing, shelter (housing), and food/nutrition practices.

What is Bergmann's rule?

In cold environments, humans tend to be shorter and stockier; in warm environments, taller and leaner with shorter limbs.

What is Allen's rule?

In cold environments, limbs are shorter; in warm environments, limbs are longer; related to heat retention and dissipation.

Why must we be cautious when applying Bergmann's and Allen's rules to humans?

Because adaptations are not universal; populations in similar environments can have different biological adaptations, and culture plays a large role.

How is human biological diversity studied in biology/anthropology?

By examining physical variation, genetic variation, and evolutionary context to explain differences among populations; caution against race-based analyses.

Why has genetics become important in biological anthropology?

It helps explain variation among populations, trace evolutionary histories, and study how genes relate to physical traits; not all questions are genetic.

Why is using race as a biological category controversial in anthropology?

Because race is not a precise biological category and race-based classifications often misrepresent genetic diversity.

What is the relationship between culture and biology in human adaptation?

Humans adapt through both biological traits and cultural practices; many successful adaptations are cultural while biology provides constraints and possibilities.

What subfields of biological anthropology are mentioned?

Paleoanthropology (human evolution), forensics (applied), skeletal biology, human biology, and genetics.

What recent development in human evolution research was mentioned?

A new species of hominin was discovered by Dr. Recher.

Why is careful science communication important in anthropology?

To avoid myths and misinterpretations; to explain data, methods, uncertainties, and the role of cultural relativity.

What is meant by the statement that cultural adaptations often enable survival in different environments?

Humans use culturally transmitted behaviors (clothing, housing, food practices) to thrive where biology alone would not suffice.

What does 'biological diversity exists' mean in this context?

There is observable variation among individuals and populations in physical and genetic traits.

How should the history of human evolution be viewed?

As a complex, updated narrative with multiple branches and new evidence, not a straight-line tale.

What is a common misconception about 'missing links' in human evolution?

There is a single missing link; in reality there are many branching lineages with diverse evidence.