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

lactase

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An enzyme produced by mammals to break down lactose in milk that they consume. Lactase is needed for the digestion of uncooked dairy products. Lactase deficiency results in diarrhea and other ...

Homo rudolfensis

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An early form of the species Homo habilis. In an alternate interpretation, some researchers consider Homo rudolfensis to be the species that immediately preceded Homo habilis in our line of ...

Homo ergaster

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An early form of the species Homo erectus from East Africa. In an alternate interpretation, some researchers consider Homo ergaster to be the species that immediately preceded Homo erectus in our ...

An artifact type that was made by a particular culture during a limited time period. When discovered clearly in association with ancient humans in an archaeological site, they are an indication of at ...

flake tool

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An artifact made from a flake knocked off of a larger rock usually by percussion flaking. See core tool.

hierarchical

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An arrangement in terms of rank or importance. The Linnaean classification system of living things is hierarchical--it is a system of classification with the highest category consisting of all living ...

midden

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

An archaeological term referring to composted soil resulting from a refuse heap left by humans in the past. Middens often contain artifacts and food refuse remains such as bone and mollusk shell ...