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

spina bifida

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A neural tube birth defect in which there are malformations of vertebrae and the protrusion of the spinal cord from the body. This can result in paralysis of the legs, loss of bowel and bladder ...

bubonic plague

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A highly contagious disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. It is normally spread by fleas that have taken blood from an infected human or other animal. Symptoms include a high fever and ...

alpha particle

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A kind of positively charged subnuclear particle (consisting of 2 protons and 2 neutrons) given off by some isotopes when they decay or fission.

virus

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A category of extremely small microscopic parasites of plants, animals, and bacteria. Viruses are not cells but rather RNA or DNA molecules surrounded by a protein coating. Since viruses cannot ...

foraging group

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A group of animals that seek food together. In the case of non-human primates, this group may consist of all community members or only some of them.

optically stimulated luminescence (OSL) dating

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A comparatively new radiometric dating technique similar to thermal luminescence. OSL is based on the fact that minerals in sediment grains are affected by prolonged exposure to light. Specifically, ...

sexual skin or swelling

Anthropology; Physical anthropology

A nearly hairless large swollen patch of skin around the genital area of females that becomes very prominent when they are in estrus. These areas swell with fluids and turn bright pink or red due to ...