Anthropology Flashcards, test questions and answers

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What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the study of human cultures, societies, and biological and physical characteristics. It is a science that looks at humans from all angles, including their evolutionary history, their behavior in various social settings, and their cultural differences. It helps us to understand how different societies view the world and how this impacts our own society. Anthropologists use a variety of methods to study humans such as archaeology, ethnography, linguistics and genetics. Archaeology is the research of past human cultures by studying artifacts such as tools, pottery or architecture left behind by ancient civilizations. Through this research we can gain insight into a culture’s beliefs and practices which can provide us with valuable information about our own culture. Ethnography is the study of present-day cultures through interviews and observations conducted within communities. This provides anthropologists with an understanding of how people think about their lives on an individual level which can provide insight into larger issues concerning humanity as a whole. Linguistics is another method used in anthropology to study language in order to gain insight into a culture’s beliefs and practices. Through examining dialects and tracking changes over time anthropologists can trace back certain words or phrases to determine when they were first used in a particular society which provides invaluable information about its history. Genetics also plays an important role in anthropology; through studying DNA samples researchers are able to trace back genetic lineages from different parts of the world which gives us an understanding of migration patterns throughout history as well as determining relationships between different populations today. Anthropology has contributed much to our understanding of humanity; it has provided us with invaluable knowledge about our origins and how we got here today. It helps us understand why societies differ from each other so drastically yet remain connected by common threads like language or religion; it explains why some people are so similar while others are so incredibly diverse; it tells stories that help shape our identities as individuals within society as well as members of humanity at large – stories that have been told for centuries but still remain relevant today because they help explain who we are, where we came from, why we act the way do, what makes us unique yet connected all at once – stories that will continue being told for centuries more thanks to Anthropology’s ever-evolving methods for discovery.