Physical Anthropology

What is Anthropology? Anthropology is the study of human life throughout history. It aims to describe what it means to be human. WHAT IS ANTHROPOLOGY? Anthropology is the study of human life throughout history (in general). Anthropology aims to describe what it means to be human, in the broadest possible sense (meaning, describing what it means to be human in general). Used to only study people in cultures other than their own; usually remote, traditional societies on the verge of disappearance. Today, anthropologists study a wide range of cultures, including more mainstream and widespread cultures (i.e. Western, American, etc.).

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 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. TWO MAJOR BRANCHES OF ANTHROPOLOGY Cultural Anthropology – studies human beings in different cultural settings around the world.

What is Physical Anthropology? 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. PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY Studies humans as biological organisms and tries to differentiate humans from other species; look at how humans are biologically different from other animals and between themselves. Some anthropologists trace the origins of humans (i.e. how the human species started, how we have evolved, evolution, etc.), while others study biological similarities and differences among humans today (i.e. how humans differ genetically and biologically between the species (b/w genders, races, ethnicities, disabilities, etc.) and from other species).

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. Physical anthropologists use the research of natural (physical) sciences more than any other social science; This can include working with fossils, examining and testing artefacts and other evidence/remnants of human life. Can also include measuring, recording, and comparing physical information about living individuals (the physical information of humans living today); its not always about the past. Use scientific processes, experiments, and tests to determine the validity, authenticity, age, etc. of objects (i.e. fossils, bones, clothing, etc.).

Charles Darwin Physical anthropology has its roots in the theories of Charles Darwin Published his theory of evolution in “On the Origin of Species” in 1859. 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. CHARLES DARWIN AND “ON THE ORIGINS OF SPECIES” Physical anthropology has its roots in the theories of Charles Darwin Published his theory of evolution in “On the Origin of Species” in 1859. The idea of evolution was not new – it did not begin with Darwin, BUT Darwin put a new twist on the idea of evolution by introducing new data and a new explanation of how evolution came about. Proposed that no two members of a species are exactly alike These differences / variations are caused by biological inheritance and adaptation to the environment (i.e. parents pass down different genes to their offspring, and humans physically adapt to their surroundings and lifestyle – we don’t use our gall bladder or appendix anymore, but rely on our liver more b/c of alcohol).

This is known as “natural selection.” 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. He theorized that members of a species that survive will pass on their unique characteristics to their offspring, and successful variations (i.e. superior) will produce new species; those that are not successful will die out – this is known as “natural selection” (variations that “work” will remain, and those that are unnecessary will die out). Darwin also concluded the physical and mental similarities in humans must mean that we all originate from a common ancestor. Recent genetic studies support this claim, and have traced all humans back to common African ancestors (the date of this common origin and how humans globally dispersed is still unknown).

Important Findings in Physical Anthropology 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. IMPORTANT FINDINGS OF EARLY HUMAN LIFE For decades Anthropologists have searched for evidence of early human origins. Evidence includes bones, tools, clothing, evidence of “living” (homes, land, etc.), etc – anything humans left behind. Very difficult process – need to know where to look b/c very few artefacts still remain (result of decomposition) Many important findings have been made over the past decades, which have added to our knowledge of early human life. In 1924, Anthropology teacher Raymond Dart found a species of humans who lived up to 3 million years ago in South Africa (was a skull and fossilized brain); skull had many human traits but the brain was the size of a primate’s; this species was named australopithecus africanus.

australopithecus africanus

australopithecus africanus

Important Findings In 1959, Mary and Louis Leakey found evidence at Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania that confirmed the earliest human beings had lived in Africa. In 1959, Mary and Louis Leakey found evidence in Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania that confirmed that the earliest human beings had lived in Africa; found nearly complete fossil skull on floor of early Stone Aged home with stone tools.

The Olduvai Gorge – “The Cradle of Mankind”

Important Findings 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. In 1974, Donald Johnson found 40% of a skeleton of an early human in Ethiopia; was the first skeleton of its kind that could be reconstructed. He named the skeleton Lucy, after a Beatles song.

“Lucy”

How are Humans Different From Other Species? 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. HOW ARE HUMANS DIFFERENT FROM OTHER SPECIES? Some physical anthropologists seek to find out what it means to be human by comparing human beings with other species. This needs to be done carefully – it can be a touchy topic and therefore anthropologists require extensive scientific evidence before they are willing to make certain claims. Humans belong to the biological group called primates (this is the highest order of mammals; the most sophisticated, if you will). We are not descendants from chimpanzees or gorillas, but we may have a common ancestor.

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. 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 Opposable thumbs (make it easier to manipulate objects) Binocular vision (3D vision; allows us to judge distance) A highly developed brain with the capacity to learn (although humans outperform primates) Our children are dependant longer on their parents and require much care to learn to develop into self-reliant and dependant adults. Both are social creatures (depend on groups for survival) Have a capacity for aggression and defence of territory Anthropologist Jane Goodall observed two distinct communities of chimpanzees over a long period of time. She noticed that they fought over time in what she speculated as a fight for territory.

DIFFERENCES 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. Bipedalism (ability to talk upright over long distances, allowing us to carry objects and perform tasks while standing); Chimps can walk upright, but not for long distances and while performing tasks. Capacity to communicate complex and abstract ideas through language (other animals can only use calls or gestures); 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? 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. 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 HOW DID HUMANS BECOME HUMAN? There is debate as to how evolution occurred to create the human species; not all anthropologists agree with one another. Some say that aggressive and warlike traits encouraged early humans to develop and use tools, which were for war and hunting; language was developed because groups needed an effective way to communicate during hunting and war.