Biological evolution is expressed as genetic change in a population that is inherited over time. Throughout numerous generations, the changes may be classified as small or large, conspicuous and non-conspicuous, but the changes must occur on the genetic level of one population and be passed on to future generations. Evolution is a scientific theory proposed by Charles Darwin that offers explanations and predictions for naturally occurring phenomena based on observations and experiments that occurring in the natural world.
Physical anthropology is one branch of anthropology involving the origin, evolution, and mixture of people. Physical anthropologist main concerns are human and primate evolution, variation and its importance and human behavior. Physical anthropologists are involved in geographical populations and the processes that are responsible for differentiation due to natural selection, mutation, migration, genetic drift, and genetic recombination (Tuttle, 2014). …show more content…
General ways physical anthropologists investigate evolution are through the study of prehistoric evidence, fossil records, other primates, and the biology and genetic make-up of living humans. Their research is conducted in the field or in a laboratory setting.
Doctors Alan Mann and Janet Monge have worked together in anthropology to conduct research that focuses on fossil remains, mainly teeth, of Australopithecines and Neanderthals to better understand human growth and development. Together they created a team to pursue theory that dental development of early humans compared to modern humans would reveal similarities. They created databases of Neanderthals images with those of modern humans to reveal level of sophisticated development in human ancestors (Patel, 2011). Some experts disputed that there was no link between modern man and Neanderthals while other research has added to the evidence to support ancestral ties. Additionally, DNA testing in Germany found that humans and Neanderthals had mated and there was a percentage of the human genome of non-Africans today who had come from Neanderthals. The research team proposed that changes in the human dentition were not selective on the teeth themselves, but another biological adaptation of the facial and jaw bones over time and resulted in the human jaws inability to accommodate 32 teeth. The third molar, commonly known as wisdom teeth were over time evolving and not occurring with as much frequency as in the past. Interestingly, they noted that the condition is very painful when the teeth are impacted and can cause loss of reproductive fitness. Forensic Anthropology, a subfield of physical anthropology has been utilized by the researchers to provide expert testimony is criminal proceeding. In several instances, surveillance cameras showed criminals whose earlobe, forehead or brow shape did not match the defendants being tried, and the anthropologists' expertise freed the accused (Patel, 2011). Dr. Mann recounted a case where physical anthropology was used in helping to free a teenager accused of rape. He stated, “That, I have to say, was the best thing I’ve ever done.” One subfield of anthropology of great interest is linguistic anthropology. Linguistic anthropology examines the relationship between communication and culture. Much attention is given to language and communication through physiology of speech, language development and its effects on shaping different cultures. Additionally, linguistic anthropologists also study various forms of communication, gestures, and even the physical distance we maintain in conversation. For example, some cultures may greet with a “hello” while others great with a handshake or
Physical anthropology is one branch of anthropology involving the origin, evolution, and mixture of people. Physical anthropologist main concerns are human and primate evolution, variation and its importance and human behavior. Physical anthropologists are involved in geographical populations and the processes that are responsible for differentiation due to natural selection, mutation, migration, genetic drift, and genetic recombination (Tuttle, 2014). …show more content…
General ways physical anthropologists investigate evolution are through the study of prehistoric evidence, fossil records, other primates, and the biology and genetic make-up of living humans. Their research is conducted in the field or in a laboratory setting.
Doctors Alan Mann and Janet Monge have worked together in anthropology to conduct research that focuses on fossil remains, mainly teeth, of Australopithecines and Neanderthals to better understand human growth and development. Together they created a team to pursue theory that dental development of early humans compared to modern humans would reveal similarities. They created databases of Neanderthals images with those of modern humans to reveal level of sophisticated development in human ancestors (Patel, 2011). Some experts disputed that there was no link between modern man and Neanderthals while other research has added to the evidence to support ancestral ties. Additionally, DNA testing in Germany found that humans and Neanderthals had mated and there was a percentage of the human genome of non-Africans today who had come from Neanderthals. The research team proposed that changes in the human dentition were not selective on the teeth themselves, but another biological adaptation of the facial and jaw bones over time and resulted in the human jaws inability to accommodate 32 teeth. The third molar, commonly known as wisdom teeth were over time evolving and not occurring with as much frequency as in the past. Interestingly, they noted that the condition is very painful when the teeth are impacted and can cause loss of reproductive fitness. Forensic Anthropology, a subfield of physical anthropology has been utilized by the researchers to provide expert testimony is criminal proceeding. In several instances, surveillance cameras showed criminals whose earlobe, forehead or brow shape did not match the defendants being tried, and the anthropologists' expertise freed the accused (Patel, 2011). Dr. Mann recounted a case where physical anthropology was used in helping to free a teenager accused of rape. He stated, “That, I have to say, was the best thing I’ve ever done.” One subfield of anthropology of great interest is linguistic anthropology. Linguistic anthropology examines the relationship between communication and culture. Much attention is given to language and communication through physiology of speech, language development and its effects on shaping different cultures. Additionally, linguistic anthropologists also study various forms of communication, gestures, and even the physical distance we maintain in conversation. For example, some cultures may greet with a “hello” while others great with a handshake or