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2: Biological Anthropology

Introduction to Anthropology: A Four Field Approach · LibreTexts

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    From LibreTexts, under CC BY-NC-SA 4.0, as the source states it; its equations are written in TeX, which the PDF shows typeset. This page at LibreTexts.

    • 2.1: Evolution and Human Adaptation
      This chapter outlines the evolution of human understanding of descent from primate ancestors, highlighting the importance of unbiased scientific methods. It covers significant contributions to evolutionary theory by various scholars, particularly Darwin's ideas on natural selection. The pages delve into biological macromolecules like DNA and proteins, and explore human adaptations related to skin color, malaria resistance via sickle-cell trait, and lactase persistence.
    • 2.2: Primates
      This page explores the unique characteristics of primates, including their behavioral, morphological, and ecological adaptations. Key traits such as vision, brain size, locomotion, and social behaviors are discussed, highlighting differences among various primate groups like lemurs, monkeys, and hominoids. The chapter emphasizes the evolutionary history of primates from the Eocene, detailing their diversification and adaptations to environmental changes.
    • 2.3: Early Hominins and Homo
      This chapter explores the evolution of early hominins, detailing key terms, traits, and adaptations, primarily focusing on bipedalism and its environmental influences. It presents major hypotheses on bipedalism's origins, discusses several early hominin genera, including Australopithecus and Homo, and highlights significant fossils and their implications for understanding human evolution.
    • 2.4: Modern Human Origins and Agriculture
      This page examines the evolution and traits of Neanderthals and early Homo sapiens, highlighting anatomical features, cultural advancements in tool-making, and complex social behaviors. It discusses Neanderthal extinctions linked to various factors, introduces newly discovered hominins, and traces the migration and adaptability of early modern humans across continents.

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    This page titled 2: Biological Anthropology was last modified on Wed, 06 May 2026 05:28:58 GMT and is shared under a CC BY-NC-SA 4.0 license and was authored, remixed, and/or curated by Amy Rector (Virginia Commonwealth University) via source content that was edited to the style and standards of the LibreTexts platform.