Physical anthropology

Physical anthropology

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

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Physical anthropology

Sex-linked

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Referring to a gene that is part of a sex chromosome. Since all of the genes on a chromosome are inherited as a package, they are essentially linked together.

Y-linked

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Referring to a gene that is carried by a Y chromosome. See sex-linked gene.

Small population size effect

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Rapid changes in gene pool frequencies that can occur in small populations. See genetic drift, founder principle, and bottleneck effect.

Matrilineal descent

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Recognising family ties only between mothers and their children.

Progressively changing zones of degree difference in frequency of a trait with movement from one region to another. The gradual decrease in frequency of the B blood allele going west in Europe is an ...

Supraorbital tori

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Prominent projecting bony bars or brow ridges above the eyes. This trait was characteristic of Homo erectus and some other early humans.

Amish

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Members of a conservative Protestant sect related to the Mennonites. The Amish migrated to Pennsylvania from Switzerland in the late 18th century. The Old Order Amish are a relatively closed group ...