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

Homo heidelbergensis

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A very early form of archaic humans in Europe and North Africa that lived from about 800,000 to 200,000 years ago. In an alternate interpretation, some researchers consider Homo heidelbergensis to be ...

Gene

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A unit of inheritance usually occurring at a specific location, or loci, on a chromosome. Physically, a gene is a sequence of DNA bases that specify the order of amino acids in a protein or, in some ...

Malnourishment

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An inadequacy or an excess of some key element(s) in the diet, such as proteins, fats, or specific minerals and vitamins. See undernourishment and overnourishment.

Cataract

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An impairment of vision caused by the lenses of the eyes becoming cloudy. Cataracts are common in elderly people. They may be inherited or caused by diabetes and environmental factors.

Oöcyte

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An immature female sex cell. These egg precursor cells, or primary oöcytes, are produced before birth. They become secondary oöcytes usually one by one after puberty when hormones trigger ...

Chronic disease

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An illness that lasts for a long period of time or indefinitely. In contrast, an acute disease is one with a rapid onset and a short but usually severe course.

Microcephaly

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An extremely rare genetically inherited condition in which babies are born with extremely small brains and heads. This fatal condition has been found only among the children of 23 Old Order Amish ...