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adaptation

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An anatomical, physiological, or behavioral response of organisms or populations to the environment. Adaptations result from evolutionary change (specifically, as a result of natural selection).

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anthropology

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The field of inquiry that studies human culture and evolutionary aspects of human biology; includes cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistics, and physical, or biological, anthropology.

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applied anthropology

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The practical application of anthropological and archaeological theories and techniques. For example, many biological anthropologists work in the public health sector.

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artifacts

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Objects or materials made or modified for use by hominins. The earliest artifacts are usually tools made of stone or, occasionally, bone.

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behavior

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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 result of conscious decision-making (which is absent in single-celled organisms, insects, and many other species).

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bioarchaeology

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The study of skeletal remains from archaeological sites.

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biocultural evolution

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The mutual, interactive evolution of human biology and culture; the concept that biology makes culture possible and that developing culture further influences the direction of biological evolution; a basic concept in understanding the unique components of human evolution.

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bipedally

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On two feet; walking habitually on two legs.

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continuum

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A set of relationships in which all components fall along a single integrated spectrum (for example, color). All life reflects a single biological continuum.

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culture

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Behavioral aspects of human adaptation, including technology, traditions, language, religion, marriage patterns, and social roles. Culture is a set of learned behaviors transmitted from one generation to the next by nonbiological (i.e., nongenetic) means.

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data (sing., datum)

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Facts from which conclusions can be drawn; scientific information.

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DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid)

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The double-stranded molecule that contains the genetic code. DNA is a main component of chromosomes.

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empirical

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Relying on experiment or observation; from the Latin empiricus, meaning "experienced."

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ethnocentric

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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.

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ethnographies

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Detailed descriptive studies of human societies. In cultural anthropology, an ethnography is traditionally the study of a non-Western society.

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evolution

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

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forensic anthropology

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An applied anthropological approach dealing with legal matters. Forensic anthropologists work with coroners and others in identifying and apply anthropological techniques to the law

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genetic

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Having to do with 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.

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hominins

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Colloquial term for members of the evolutionary group that includes modern humans and now extinct bipedal relatives.

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hypotheses (sing., hypothesis)

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A provisional explanation of a phenomenon. Hypotheses require verification or falsification through testing.

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osteology

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The study of skeletal material. Human osteology focuses on the interpretation of the skeletal remains from archaeological sites, skeletal anatomy, bone physiology, and growth and development. Some of the same techniques are used in paleoanthropology to study early hominins.

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paleoanthropology

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The interdisciplinary approach to the study of earlier hominins—their chronology, physical structure, archaeological remains, habitats, and so on.

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paleopathology

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The branch of osteology that studies the evidence of disease and injury in human skeletal (or, occasionally, mummified) remains from archaeological sites.

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primates

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Members of the mammalian order Primates (pronounced "pry-may´- tees"), which includes lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, apes, and humans.

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primatology

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The study of the biology and behavior of nonhuman primates (lemurs, lorises, tarsiers, monkeys, and apes).

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quadrupedal

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Using all four limbs to support the body during locomotion; the basic mammalian (and primate) form of locomotion.

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quantitatively

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Pertaining to measurements of quantity and including such properties as size, number, and capacity. When data are quantified, they're expressed numerically and can be tested statistically.

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relativistic

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Viewing entities as they relate to something else. Cultural relativism is the view that cultures have merits within their own historical and environmental contexts.

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savanna

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(also spelled savannah) A large flat grassland with scattered trees and shrubs. Savannas are found in many regions of the world with dry and warm-to-hot climates.

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science

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A body of knowledge gained through observation and experimentation; from the Latin scientia, meaning "knowledge."

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scientific method

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An approach to research whereby a problem is identified, a hypothesis (provisional explanation) is stated, and that hypothesis is tested by collecting and analyzing data.

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scientific testing

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The 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.

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species

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A group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Members of one species are reproductively isolated from members of all other species (i.e., they cannot mate with them to produce fertile offspring).

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Theory

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A broad statement of scientific relationships or underlying principles that has been substantially verified through the testing of hypotheses

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Worldview

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General cultural orientation or perspective shared by members of a society

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What strategy is unique to humans develop that allows them to adapt to the natural environment?

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culture

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The term evolution refers to

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changes in the genetic make-up of a population from one generation to the next.

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Human evolution

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is subject to the same forces that have acted upon other organisms

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Culture, as defined in Chapter 1

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can be defined as the strategy by which humans adapt to the natural environment

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Which subdiscipline of anthropology is concerned with various aspects of human language?

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linguistic anthropology

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The study of human biology within the framework of human evolution can be said to be the domain of which of the following

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physical/biological anthropology

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he origins of physical anthropology arose from two areas of interest among 19th century scientists. What did these areas concern?

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the origins of modern species and human variation

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________ is the study of anatomical and behavior human evolution as evidenced by the fossil record.

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Paleoanthropology

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Fields of inquiry fundamental to studies of adaptation in modern human populations include

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Traits that typify certain populations that have evolved as biological adaptation to environment, e.g. sunlight, altitude, or infectious disease.

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Which of the following is not an important reason why primatology has become increasingly important since the late 1950s?

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Recommendations can be made to better ensure treatment of human

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Forensic anthropologists

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apply anthropological techniques to the law.

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Who uses anthropological techniques to assist in crime investigations and to identify skeletal remains in cases of disaster?

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forensic anthropologists

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What is a hypothesis?

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It is a provisional statement regarding certain scientific facts or observations

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What is the initial step in the scientific method?

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the formation of a hypothesis

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Which of the following does not apply to theories?

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Specific statements of scientific relationships that have not been verified

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Which of the following is true of the relativistic view of culture

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It allows us to understand other people's concerns and to view our own culture from a broader perspective.

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