Human Biological Adaptations and Ancestry

These flashcards cover key terms and concepts related to human adaptations, ancestry, and the biological factors that influence human variations.

Phenotypic traits

Observable characteristics of an organism that can be influenced by biological sex, environmental adaptations, and ancestry.

Morphological features

Physical characteristics of organisms, such as skull shape, that can reflect their ancestry and geographical origins.

Race as a social construct

The concept that race is defined by societal beliefs and cultural practices rather than strictly biological differences.

Biological sex determination

The classification of individuals as male or female based on specific anatomical features, including distinct skeletal characteristics.

Ancestry analysis

The study of genetic lineage or family roots to determine an individual's geographical and racial origins.

Homeostasis

The body's ability to maintain stable internal conditions despite external environmental changes.

Acclimatization

Short-term physiological response to environmental changes, allowing individuals to adapt to new conditions.

Bergmann's Rule

The principle that populations in colder climates tend to have larger body sizes to conserve heat.

Allen's Rule

The principle stating that animals in colder climates generally have shorter appendages to reduce heat loss.

Zoonotic diseases

Infectious diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans.

Vitamin D synthesis

The process by which the skin produces vitamin D when exposed to sunlight, essential for bone health.

Melanin

A pigment that provides skin color and protects against UV radiation.

Technological buffers

Human inventions or adaptations that alleviate environmental stressors, reducing the need for natural selection and adaptation.

Rickets

A disease caused by vitamin D deficiency leading to softening and deformation of bones, particularly in children.

Natural selection

The process by which traits that improve survival and reproductive success become more common in successive generations.

Sexual dimorphism

The difference in size or appearance between males and females of the same species, often observed in skeletal features.