DESCRIPTION OF INTERACTIVE
Biological anthropology is a subfield of anthropology that studies the physical aspect of human life. Biological anthropologists use methods, such as excavations, to study human fossils and physical remains (e.g., bones), and they compare their findings to the anatomy(definition: the branch of science concerned with the bodily structure of humans, animals, and other living organisms) of other primate species (e.g., chimps and monkeys), hominids(definition: a primate of a family, Hominidae, that includes humans and their fossil ancestors and also at least some of the great apes) or humans (e.g., homo sapiens). Overall, biological anthropologists study issues such as evolution, genetics, disease, and health.
Biological anthropology is a very diverse field that can be divided into specific subjects, as well:
Bioarchaeology: Bioarchaeologists are anthropologists who study human skeletal remains from different archaeological dig sites. They do this in order to learn more about the overall health, migration patterns, diet, and lifestyle of the hominid or human population.
Nubia is a region in Africa that runs along the Nile rivers. It encompasses the areas between what today is Central Sudan and Southern Egypt. It is very significant in the bioarchaeology world because it is known as one of the earliest civilizations of Ancient Africa. Knowing about Nubia will help you gain a better idea of the significance of bioarchaeologists' work as you watch the following video:
Forensic anthropologists also study skeletons; however, they study skeletons that are found at crime scenes to identify who the individuals are.
Watch or listen to this short clip to see/hear a specific example of how human remains were identified in a high-profile murder case in history - that of serial murderer John Wayne Gacy.
Primatology - involves the study of primates (monkeys, gorillas, chimpanzees, orangutans) to learn more about their language, physical development (e.g., walking on two feet - bipedalism, grasping small objects, brain areas), and social structures. Primatologists have learned that primates, especially apes and chimpanzees, have fantastic cognitive abilities and great intelligence.
Dr. Jane Goodall is perhaps the most recognized primatologist in the world.
Watch or listen to this video to learn more about Dr. Goodall’s experiences as a primatologist, and the important work she has accomplished throughout her life.
Here, Jane Goodall provides T.V. host Jimmy Fallon with some insights that she’s learned from her time studying and working with chimpanzees.
Social Action Opportunity
If you’re curious about the program opportunity that Jane Goodall mentioned in the video clip, and would like to learn more about the Roots & Shoots program in Canada, click here to access the site.