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Physical anthropology

The branch of anthropology that studies the development of the human race in the context of other primate species.

Contributors in Physical anthropology

Physical anthropology

Probability

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The likelihood that a specific event will occur. Probability is usually expressed as the ratio of the number of actual occurrences to the number of possible occurrences.

Phylum

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The level of classification just below kingdom in the Linnaean Classification system. At this level, animals are grouped together based on similarities in basic body plan or organization.

Class

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The level of classification below subphylum and above subclass in the Linnaean classification system. Humans are members of the class Mammalia.

Uniformitarianism

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The late 18th century theory of James Hutton that the natural forces now changing the shape of the Earth's surface have been operating in the past much in the same way. The most important implication ...

Chorionic villi sampling

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A diagnostic procedure for pregnant women to determine whether or not their foetuses have gross chromosomal anomalies. It involves collecting a small sample of chorion cells for karyotyping. The ...

Founder principle

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A small population size effect in which the genes of a few people (the population founders) are inherited over time by a large number of descendents. This is also known as the "founder effect" and ...

Hyoid bone

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A horseshoe-shaped bone in the neck above the larynx supporting the base of the tongue. Since jaw, tongue, and larnyx muscles are anchored to it, the hyoid bone is essential for the production of ...

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