Current Fields of Physical Anthropology
Physical anthropology, also known as biological anthropology, is the branch of anthropology that studies humans as biological organisms within an evolutionary framework. Over time, the field has expanded beyond the study of fossils and skeletal remains to include diverse areas of human biology, variation, and adaptation. Today, physical anthropology is highly interdisciplinary, drawing from genetics, medicine, ecology, and archaeology.
One important field is paleoanthropology, which investigates human evolution through fossils, artifacts, and ancient DNA. Discoveries of early hominin fossils and genetic evidence have deepened our understanding of human origins.
Primatology is another major area, focusing on the behavior, ecology, and biology of non-human primates. By studying primates like chimpanzees and gorillas, anthropologists gain insights into human social structures and evolution.
Human genetics and molecular anthropology study DNA to trace ancestry, population migration, and genetic diversity. This has practical applications in medicine and forensic science.
Forensic anthropology applies anthropological methods to legal contexts, identifying human remains in criminal cases, disasters, or historical investigations.
Human variation and adaptation examine how humans differ biologically across populations, studying traits like skin color, body build, or disease resistance, shaped by environment and natural selection.
Finally, nutritional and biomedical anthropology focus on how diet, health, and culture influence human biology today.
In sum, physical anthropology has evolved into a dynamic field exploring human origins, diversity, health, and adaptation in both past and present contexts.
