Biological Anthropology

Unit 1 – Intro to Biological Anthropology

Unit 2 – Evolutionary Theory and Genetics

Unit 3 – Primate Evolution and Taxonomy

Unit 4 – Primate Anatomy and Physiology

Unit 5 – Human Evolution

Unit 6 – Human Variation and Adaptation

Unit 7 – Human Growth and Development

Unit 8 – Human Skeletal Biology & Forensic Analysis

Unit 9 – Human Biology and Health

Unit 10 – Primate Conservation & Human Effects

Unit 11 – Human Behavioral Ecology

Unit 12 – Applied Biological Anthropology

## What do you learn in Biological Anthropology

Biological Anthropology explores human evolution, genetics, and our primate relatives. You'll study fossils, ancient DNA, and modern human variation. The course covers topics like natural selection, human adaptations, and how our species fits into the broader animal kingdom. You'll also learn about primatology and how our closest living relatives inform our understanding of human behavior and biology.

## Is Biological Anthropology hard?

Biological Anthropology can be challenging, but it's not impossible. The mix of biology, evolution, and anthropology concepts can be a lot to wrap your head around at first. Some students find the scientific terminology and theories a bit overwhelming, especially if they don't have a strong science background. But once you get the hang of it, it's actually pretty fascinating stuff.

## Tips for taking Biological Anthropology in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Make flashcards for key terms like "hominid," "australopithecine," and "natural selection"
3. Draw diagrams to visualize concepts like primate phylogeny or human evolution
4. Watch nature documentaries about primates to better understand their behavior
5. Visit a natural history museum to see fossils and primate skeletons up close
6. Form a study group to discuss complex topics like genetic drift or adaptive radiation
7. Read "The Selfish Gene" by Richard Dawkins for a deeper dive into evolutionary theory
8. Check out the "Sapiens" podcast for interesting takes on human evolution and behavior

## Common pre-requisites for Biological Anthropology

Introduction to Anthropology: This course provides an overview of the four subfields of anthropology, including biological anthropology. It introduces key concepts and methods used in studying human cultures and biology.

General Biology: This class covers fundamental biological principles and processes. It provides a solid foundation in genetics, evolution, and ecology, which are crucial for understanding biological anthropology.

## Classes similar to Biological Anthropology

Human Evolution: This course dives deeper into the specific evolutionary history of our species. It covers topics like fossil evidence, genetic studies, and the emergence of human traits.

Primatology: Focused on non-human primates, this class explores primate behavior, ecology, and evolution. It often includes field studies and observations of living primates.

Human Genetics: This course examines genetic variation in human populations. It covers topics like inheritance patterns, genetic disorders, and the role of genes in human evolution and adaptation.

Forensic Anthropology: This class applies biological anthropology techniques to legal and criminal investigations. Students learn how to analyze human remains to determine age, sex, and other identifying characteristics.

## Majors related to Biological Anthropology

Anthropology: Anthropology is the study of human cultures, societies, and biology across time and space. It includes four main subfields: cultural anthropology, archaeology, linguistic anthropology, and biological anthropology.

Biology: Biology focuses on the study of living organisms, their structure, function, growth, evolution, and distribution. It covers a wide range of topics from molecular biology to ecology and evolution.

Human Biology: Human Biology combines biology, anthropology, and health sciences to study human beings as biological organisms. It explores topics like human genetics, physiology, and the interaction between humans and their environment.

Evolutionary Biology: Evolutionary Biology examines the processes of evolution and the history of life on Earth. It integrates concepts from genetics, ecology, and paleontology to understand how species change over time.

## What can you do with a degree in Biological Anthropology?

Forensic Anthropologist: Forensic anthropologists work with law enforcement to identify human remains and determine cause of death. They apply their knowledge of human skeletal anatomy and variation to assist in criminal investigations and mass disaster scenarios.

Primatologist: Primatologists study non-human primates in their natural habitats or in captivity. They conduct research on primate behavior, ecology, and conservation, often working in zoos, research centers, or field sites.

Genetic Counselor: Genetic counselors provide information and support to individuals and families with genetic disorders or at risk for inherited conditions. They interpret genetic test results and help patients understand their implications for health and family planning.

Museum Curator: Museum curators specializing in biological anthropology organize and manage collections related to human evolution and primate biology. They develop exhibits, conduct research, and educate the public about human origins and diversity.

## Biological Anthropology FAQs

How is Biological Anthropology different from Biology? Biological Anthropology focuses specifically on human evolution and variation, while Biology covers all living organisms. Biological Anthropology also incorporates cultural and social aspects of human life that aren't typically covered in Biology.

Do I need to be good at math for this course? While some basic statistics are used in Biological Anthropology, advanced math skills aren't usually required. The math involved is mostly related to understanding population genetics and interpreting scientific data.

Will we do any hands-on work with fossils or skeletons? Many Biological Anthropology courses include lab components where you'll work with casts of fossils or skeletal remains. Some courses might also involve field trips to museums or archaeological sites.

Anthropology

1.3 Ethics in biological anthropology

1.2 The scientific method and anthropological research

1.1 The scope of biological anthropology

2.4 Molecular genetics and genomics

2.3 Modern synthesis and population genetics

2.2 Mendelian genetics and inheritance

2.1 Darwinian evolution and natural selection

3.4 Primate behavior and ecology

3.2 Primate taxonomy and classification

3.3 Primate adaptations and diversity

3.1 Primate origins and early evolution

4.4 Primate brain and cognitive abilities

4.3 Primate reproductive system and life history

4.2 Primate digestive system and diet

4.1 Primate skeletal system and locomotion

5.5 The emergence of anatomically modern humans

5.4 Neanderthals and other archaic humans

5.3 Homo erectus and the dispersal out of Africa

5.2 Australopithecines and early Homo

5.1 Hominid origins and early evolution

6.4 Infectious diseases and the human immune system

6.3 Nutritional adaptations and disorders

6.2 Environmental adaptations and acclimatization

6.1 Human biological diversity and race

7.4 Adulthood, aging, and senescence

7.3 Adolescence and puberty

7.2 Infancy and childhood growth

7.1 Prenatal development and birth

8.4 Bioarchaeology and the study of past populations

8.3 Forensic anthropology and human identification

8.2 Skeletal growth, remodeling, and pathology

8.1 Human osteology and skeletal anatomy

9.4 Epidemiology and public health

9.3 Stress, adaptation, and the endocrine system

9.2 Nutrition, metabolism, and energy balance

9.1 Human physiology and homeostasis

10.4 Primate-human interactions and conflict

10.3 Conservation strategies and management

10.2 Human impact on primate habitats and populations

10.1 Primate conservation status and threats

11.3 Parental investment and child-rearing practices

11.2 Mating systems and reproductive strategies

11.1 Evolutionary perspectives on human behavior

11.4 Cooperation, altruism, and social networks

12.1 Forensic anthropology and law enforcement

12.2 Anthropological genetics and personalized medicine

12.3 Evolutionary medicine and disease prevention

12.4 Biological anthropology and public policy

Browse all Biological Anthropology Key Terms

About Us

Resources

Stay Connected

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

About Us

Resources

© 2024 Fiveable Inc. All rights reserved.

AP® and SAT® are trademarks registered by the College Board, which is not affiliated with, and does not endorse this website.

Back

Next