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

tectonics

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The study of the earth's crustal structures, such as continental plates, and the forces that cause them to change shape and move relative to each other. See tectonic movement.

taphonomy

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The study of the conditions under which plants, animals, and other organisms become altered after death, buried, and sometimes preserved as fossils.

primatology

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The study of primates and their behavioral patterns. Primatologists usually carry out long term field studies of free-ranging populations.

demography

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The study of population characteristics, especially its size, density, and growth patterns.

palynology

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The study of plant pollen, usually for the purpose of reconstructing ancient climates and dating soil strata. Palynology is an important tool of paleoecology.

stratigraphy

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

The study of geological strata, or layers of rock or soil, usually for relative dating based on the principle of superposition.

The study of gene structure and action and the patterns of inheritance of traits from parent to offspring. Genetic mechanisms are the underlying foundation for evolutionary change. Genetics is the ...