Physical Anthropology HSP3U PDF

Physical Anthropology HSP3U  Physical anthropologists want to know the answers to WHAT IS PHYSICAL the following questions: or BIOLOGICAL As a species, where did humans come from? How has the human body evolved over the ages? ANTHROPOLOGY?...

Physical Anthropology HSP3U  Physical anthropologists want to know the answers to WHAT IS PHYSICAL the following questions: or BIOLOGICAL As a species, where did humans come from? How has the human body evolved over the ages? ANTHROPOLOGY? What makes humans unique? MAJOR FIELDS OF Paleoanthropology or Forensic PHYSICAL Primatology ANTHROPOLOGY Human Variation or Biological  Paleoanthropology Paleoanthropologists study bone and stone remains of our ancient ancestors from millions of years ago. Paleoanthropologists recover the fossil record of early humans and their primate ancestors in order to understand the path of our evolution. In doing this, they often work with geologists, paleozoologists, and scientists with other specialties who help them reconstruct ancient environments. Primatology Primatologists study primates (non-humans) A primate is “any member of the group of animals that includes human beings, apes, and monkeys.” This is usually done in a natural setting among wild apes, monkeys, and related animals. They are principally interested in learning about the capabilities and behavior patterns of primates--our closest living relatives. It is likely that the great apes in particular can give us important clues to understanding the lives of our earliest human ancestors over 2 million years Human Variation or Human Biology It is the study of the physical differences and similarities of existing human populations Concerned with learning about human diversity, genetic inheritance patterns, non-cultural adaptations to environmental stresses, and other biological characteristics of our species, Homo sapiens.