Physical anthropology

Physical anthropology

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

Industry: Anthropology

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Physical anthropology

Disruptive selection

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Selection for both extremes of a trait and against the middle. In the case of polygenic traits that are expressed as a continuum of phenotypes, such as human stature, it would be selection for both ...

Stabilising selection

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Selection against extreme forms 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 in the ...

Binocular vision

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Seeing with two eyes that have an overlapping field of view. This is essential to stereoscopic vision.

Introns

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Sections of DNA molecules that do not code for proteins but still perform important functions. Apparently, some are enhancers or suppressors of genes. About a fourth of DNA consists of introns. The ...

Sedimentary rock

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Rock formed from sediments usually eroded from older rock or inorganic remains of organisms (e.g., shells and skeletons). Examples: sandstone, shale, and limestone.

Index fossil

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Remains of a plant or animal of a species that is known to have lived only during a specific time period. The discovery of such a fossil in an archaeological site is circumstantial evidence of the ...

Kinship

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

Relationships that are recognised between individuals based on family ties. Among humans, those ties are created by marriage and shared descent from ancestors. Among non-human primates, they are due ...