SOC211H5 Chapter Notes - Chapter 1: Paleoanthropology, Primatology, Anthropometry
Document Summary
Introduction: we are better prepared to face the future because, unlike our ancestors, we have knowledge of how and why old societies failed/succeeded. Evolution a change in the genetic structure of a population from one generation to the next. Anthropology the field of inquiry that studies human culture and evolutionary aspects of human biology; includes cultural anthropology, archeology, linguistics, and physical anthropology. Genetics, anatomy, skeletal structure, adaptation to disease, and other environmental factors. Scientific method an approach to research whereby a problem is identified, a hypothesis (or hypothetical explanation) is stated, and that hypothesis is tested through the collection and analysis of data. Culture all aspects of human adaptation, including technology, traditions, language, religion and social roles. Species a group of organisms that can interbreed to produce fertile offspring. Members of one species are reproductively isolated from members of all other species (i. e. , they can"t mate with them to produce fertile offspring).