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

foramen magnum

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The hole at the base of a skull through which the spinal cord passes. Literally, foramen magnum means a "large hole or opening" in Latin. The position of the foramen magnum is a strong indicator of ...

capillaries

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The hair thin blood vessels connecting small branches of arteries and veins that form a vascular network throughout the body of animals.

great apes

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The gorillas, common chimpanzees, and bonobos of Africa and the orangutans of Southeast Asia. These species are referred to as great apes because they are the largest apes. See lesser apes.

lesser apes

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The gibbons and siamangs of Southeast Asia. These species are referred to as lesser apes because they are the smallest apes. See great apes.

Mesozoic Era

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The geological era immediately preceding the Cenozoic Era and dating approximately 251-65. 5 million years ago. The Mesozoic was the era in which the dinosaurs flourished and the first mammals and ...

discontinuous distribution

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The geographic distribution of a trait such that it appears in high or low frequencies in various areas with little or no gradation between them. See clines.