Transcript Physical Anthropology

Physical Anthropology
What is Anthropology?
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Anthropology is the study of human life
throughout history.
It aims to describe what it means to be
human.
Two MAJOR Branches of
Anthropology
PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY
…tries to understand and define the physical and
biological nature of human beings.
Two MAJOR Branches of
Anthropology
CULTURAL ANTHROPOLOGY
…studies human beings in different cultural
settings around the world.
What is Physical Anthropology?
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Studies humans as biological organisms and tries to
differentiate humans from other species.
Some anthropologists trace the origins of humans,
while others study biological similarities and differences
among humans today.
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Physical anthropologists use the research of natural
(physical) sciences more than any other social science.
– Includes working with fossils, examining and testing artifacts,
and working with other evidence/remnants of human life.
– Can also include measuring, recording, and comparing physical
information about living humans.
Charles Darwin
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Physical anthropology has its roots in
the theories of Charles Darwin
– Published his theory of evolution in “On
the Origin of Species” in 1859.
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Darwin proposed that no two
members of a species are exactly alike
due to differences / variations caused
by biological inheritance and
adaptation to the environment.
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Darwin theorized that members of a
species that survive will pass on their
unique characteristics to their offspring.
This is known as “natural selection.”
Darwin concluded that the similarities
found in humans must mean that we all
originate from a common ancestor.
Important Findings in
Physical Anthropology
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In 1924, Raymond Dart found a species of
human who lived up to 3 million years ago in
South Africa (was a skull and fossilized brain)
– The skull had many human traits but the brain was
near the size of a primate’s.
– This species was named australopithecus
africanus.
australopithecus
africanus
australopithecus
africanus
Important Findings
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In 1959, Mary and Louis Leakey found
evidence at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania
that confirmed the earliest human
beings had lived in Africa.
The Olduvai Gorge –
“The Cradle of
Mankind”
Important Findings
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In 1974 Donald Johanson found 40%
of a skeleton of a early human
in Ethiopia. He named the
skeleton ‘Lucy’ after a
popular Beatles song.
“Lucy”
How are Humans Different
From Other Species?
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Humans belong to the biological group called
“primates” (the highest order of mammals).
We are not direct descendants of chimpanzees or
gorillas, but we may have a common ancestor.
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The genetic make-up between humans
and primates only differs by 1 or 2
percent.
We share many physical and social
characteristics – this is why we look to
primates for clues that may shed light
on the evolution of humans and human
behaviour.
SIMILARITIES
– Opposable thumbs
– Binocular vision
– A highly developed brain
with the capacity to learn
– Children are dependant
longer on their parents
– Both are social creatures
– Have a capacity for
aggression and defence of
territory
DIFFERENCES
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Bipedalism
Capacity to
communicate complex
and abstract ideas
through language
- Many anthropologists
believe language is what
finally separates us from
all other species and has
helped us survive and
prosper.
How did Humans Become
Human?
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There is much debate surrounding human evolution.
– Some say that aggressive and warlike traits encouraged early
humans to develop and use tools and to develop and use
language.
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Others believe that our social skills and ability to get
along in groups was critical in developing our thinking
skills
– Living in social groups requires memory, ability to recognize
others and learn from others, and the ability draw upon that
knowledge.
– Jane Lancaster