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

Non-random mating

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Mate selection based on one or more traits that are discriminated for or against. This is a mechanism of evolution. See positive assortative, negative assortative, and random mating.

Random mating

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Mate selection in which all individuals have an equal chance of being selected--there is no conscious discrimination for or against any trait. See non-random mating.

Macroevolution

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Major evolutionary changes in a population's gene pool, occurring over many generations, resulting in the evolution of new species. See microevolution.

Magnetic fields that are altered or formed in atoms of iron by heat in excess of 1100° F. (600° C. ). Such fields line up with the magnetic field of the planet at the time of the exposure to a high ...

Great Rift Valley

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Long depression in Southwest Asia and East Africa caused by the movement of tectonic plates, largely beginning during the Oligocene Epoch. In Africa, it extends from Ethiopia southwest 1200 miles ...

Foetal position

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Laying partly curled on one's side with the legs and arms bent and held into the body.

Directional selection

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Selection for or against one extreme of a trait. In the case of polygenic traits that are expressed as a continuum of phenotypes, such as human stature, it would be selection for people who are ...