Questions and Answers
What is Physical Anthropology?
The study of the evolution, variation and adaptation of humans and their past and present relatives.
What is a honing canine?
Shed plant material
Which of the following are the six key attributes that make humans unique among primates? (Select all that apply)
How do physical anthropologists know what they know?
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What did Charles Darwin hypothesize about the origin of bipedalism?
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Which of the following things do physical anthropologists study? (Select all that apply)
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Science is limited to the knowledge of facts about the natural world.
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The physical appearance of hominins and their descendants has not changed over the past 6-8 million years.
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Identify characteristics of autolysis, putrefaction, or both.
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Physical anthropology is the study of........evolution and..........variation.
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Human brains are......and have more........analytical skills than the brains of other animals.
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Place the following hypotheses about bipedalism in chronological order of when they were proposed.
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Which of the following are subjects of scientific laws? (Select all that apply)
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Study Notes
Physical Anthropology Overview
- Focuses on human evolution, variation, adaptation, and relationships with past and present relatives.
- Key aspects include human biological and biocultural evolution.
Unique Human Attributes
- Six distinguishing traits:
- Bipedalism
- Nonhoning chewing
- Complex material culture and tool use
- Speech
- Hunting
- Dependence on domesticated foods
Methodology of Physical Anthropology
- Follows the scientific method:
- Observation and data gathering
- Hypothesis formation
- Detailed predictions based on hypotheses
- Testing hypotheses to draw conclusions, allowing for further inquiry and observation
Darwin's Bipedalism Hypothesis
- Proposed that bipedalism evolved due to a shift from arboreal (tree-dwelling) to terrestrial (ground-living) lifestyles.
- Observations highlighted anatomical differences between bipedal humans and quadrupedal apes.
Areas of Study in Physical Anthropology
- Examines genetic history of individuals and populations to understand evolution.
- Investigates the origins of language and speech related to human development.
- Studies social behavior of nonhuman primates for insights into human social evolution.
- Analyzes bones and teeth for evidence of evolutionary changes.
Concepts Related to Decomposition
- Autolysis involves the breakdown of cells in a high-carbon-dioxide environment.
- Putrefaction is the breakdown of tissues by microorganisms.
- Factors influencing decomposition include temperature, humidity, oxygen availability, sunlight exposure, soil chemistry, and animal activity.
Brain Complexity in Humans
- Human brains are larger and more complex than those of other animals.
- This complexity allows for advanced analytical skills and problem-solving capabilities.
Chronological Hypotheses on Bipedalism
- Initial link between bipedalism and the transition from trees to ground living.
- Later hypothesis suggested first hominins emerged in African grasslands from arboreal ancestors.
Scientific Laws and Disciplines
- Examples of subjects covered by scientific laws include gravity, motion, and thermodynamics.
- Distinction exists between biological science and social science disciplines.
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Description
Test your knowledge with these flashcards covering the basics of Physical Anthropology. This chapter introduces key concepts such as evolution, uniqueness in humans, and essential attributes that differentiate us from other primates. Perfect for students looking to solidify their understanding of the subject.
