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

Add a new term

Contributors in Physical anthropology

Become a Contributors

Physical anthropology

biopsy

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The process of removing a tissue sample from a living organism for diagnostic examination (e.g., chorionic villi sampling).

adaptation

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The process by which populations of organisms respond to long term environmental stresses by permanent genetic change--i.e., by evolving. See adjustment.

The process by which plants, algae, and some bacteria use energy from sun light to create new organic molecules (specifically carbohydrates) out of carbon dioxide, water, and elemental nutrients in ...

adjustment

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The process by which individual organisms respond to environmental stresses during their lifetime without changing genetically. Adjustments are generally not inheritable. Acclimatization and ...

racemization

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The process by which amino acids change from the L-molecule form to their mirror image D-molecule form. This occurs naturally following the death of cells. See amino acid racemization dating.

locus

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The position on a chromosome where a given gene occurs. The term is sometimes used interchangeably with gene, but this usage is technically incorrect.

rotational north pole

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The point on the northern extremity of the earth where the axis of rotation is located. Compared to the magnetic north pole, the rotational one is relatively stable.