Essay on Physical Anthropology The Link between Human Nature

Physical anthropology â€Å"is in large part, human biology seen from an evolutionary perspective† (Jurmaln, Kilgore Trevathan, 2011). By this statement, I believe the authors mean that physical anthropology studies human biology with an evolutionary viewpoint rather than a scientific or medical viewpoint. Anthropology, as a broader science, is concerned with and studies human culture and the evolutionary aspects of human biology. Since culture affects human beings and human beings affect culture, the two are intertwined, and it therefore, makes sense to study them together. There are other types of anthropology (cultural anthropology, applied anthropology, archeology, forensic anthropology, and linguistic anthropology), but physical†¦show more content†¦If a hypothesis is proven or supported, then it becomes a theory. A theory has stood the test of many scientific trials and they are usually larger in scope than hypotheses. A theory, even though it has been te sted and supported, is still not a fact. They are still only explanations of scientific truths. Although the theory of evolution is rooted in biology, an understanding of humanity is necessary in order to understand it. Because of natural selection and variation, not all traits and characteristics are passed down from generation to generation. Some less desirable traits become lost and some more desirable traits are passed down. The environment and culture that we live in affects us in many ways, one of which our ability to adapt to our environment. Thus, environmental conditions play a role in gene variation from generation to generation. The understanding of humanity helps us to understand the culture in which we live. The culture in which we live helps shape who we are biologically as human beings. So, the two circle each other. For answers to why we are a bipedal species or have a â€Å"fight or flight†Show MoreRelatedWhat Is Human Nature?1735 Words   |  7 PagesBy observing and analyzing the context of previous time periods, anthropology was certainly not created by accident or mistake. At the end of the 18th century, the Enlightenment period was occurring. This produced two products during the time period. First, humans were able to possess a newfound understanding of general principals in which the world works. They wanted to know all about universal human nature, such as why all human beings are alike. Secondly, out of the Enlightenment, we have an intellectualRead MoreReview of Conrad Kottaks Anthropology: The Exploration of Human Diversity2863 Words   |  11 PagesConrad Kottaks Anthropology: The Exploration of Human Diversity (12th ed. 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