Chapter 1Introduction to Physical Anthropology

HominidsHumans 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, TanzaniaThe 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.

Species A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring.

EvolutionA change in the genetic structure of a population.

AdaptationAn anatomical, physiological, or behavioral response of organisms or populations to the environment.

EvolutionMicroevolutionMacroevolution

CultureCulture is the strategy by which humans adapt to the natural environment. Culture is learned

Biocultural Evolution Over time, culture and biology interacted so that humans are said to be the result of biocultural evolution.

Culturetechnologies subsistence patternshousing typesclothing

religionmarriage and family valuesgender roles Strategies humans use to adapt to their environment:

WorldviewGeneral cultural orientation or perspective shared by members of a society.

BehaviorAnything organisms do that involves action in response to internal or external stimuli.The response of an individual, group, or species to its environment.

What Is Anthropology?The study of humankind.Integrates sociology, economics, history, psychology, and biology.Comprises four subfields:Cultural anthropologyLinguisticsArchaeologyPhysical (or biological) anthropology

Cultural AnthropologyThe study of all aspects of contemporary human behavior.EthnographyTraditional culturesModern/western cultures

ArchaeologyStudy and interpretation of material remains recovered from earlier cultures.Information about culture comes from artifacts and material culture left by humans.

Linguistic AnthropologyStudy of the origin of language and speech.The use of language is a unique human characteristic.

Physical AnthropologyStudy of human biology in the framework of evolution.Subfields:Paleoanthropology - human evolutionAnthropometry - measurement of body partsPrimatology: study of nonhuman primatesOsteology: study of skeletons

PaleoanthropologyPaleoanthropologists excavating at the Drimolen site, South Africa.

Primate paleontologyThe 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.

AnthropometryAnthropology student using spreading to measure cranial length.

Modern Population StudiesThis researcher is using a treadmill test to assess a subjects heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen consumption.

Modern Population StudiesDr. 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 DNAGenetics 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.

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

PrimatologyThe study of nonhuman primates.

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

OsteologyThe study of the skeleton.A thorough knowledge of skeletal structure and function is critical to the interpretation of fossil material. Paleopathology

Forensic AnthropologyAn applied anthropological approachForensic anthropologists identify and analyze human remains.

Forensic AnthropologyPhysical 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 AnthropologyForensic anthropologists at the location on Staten Island where all materials from the World Trade Center were taken for investigation after September 11, 2001.The scientists are wearing HAZMAT (hazardous materials) suits for protection.

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

ScienceA body of knowledge gained through observation and experimentation; from the Latin scientia, meaning knowledge.A hypotheses is a provisional explanation of a phenomenon. Hypotheses require verification or falsification through testing.Empirical means to rely on experiment or observation.

Western Science MethodsAnalysisInductiveDeductive

Scientific MethodDataHypothesisTheory/LawPublishMethods Empirical observationsObjectiveSubjective

Scientific TestingThe precise repetition of an experiment or expansion of observed data to provide verification.The procedure by which hypotheses and theories are verified, modified, or discarded.

Physical Anthropologyand the Scientific MethodState the research problem. Develop a hypothesis.Test the hypothesis through data collection and analysis.If the hypothesis is verified, it becomes a theory.

Anthropological PerspectiveA 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.

EthnocentricViewing other cultures from the inherently biased perspective of ones own culture.Ethnocentrism often results in other cultures being seen as inferior to ones own.

For Next Week Read Chapters 2 and 3

**Possibly an imageof the footprints here.

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