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selection of measurements and informed weighting of traits during analyses are
essential. Statistical considerations are especially important in genetic and
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anthropometric research. The provision of clothing for masses of people depends
on anthropometry. Substantial sums have been saved because physical
anthropologists measured a small sample of the population in a particular area
and adjusted the clothing tariffs to the predicted distribution of bodily sizes and
shapes. The components of body build—the different tissues and dimensions—
have been studied by means of factor analysis and comparisons of siblings and
twins. Their modes of inheritance and responses to environmental conditions are
somewhat better understood today than they were when the science began.
h) Forensics: Via expert knowledge of the human skeleton, fingerprints, blood
genetics, DNA sequencing, and archaeological methods, physical anthropologists
provide invaluable assistance in the identification of victims and perpetrators of
crimes and casualties of accidents and wars. Because of the wide spectrum of
problems, methods, and practical applications, physical anthropologists
specialize in one or a few subareas. Many research puzzles require cooperation
not only among physical anthropologists but also with other natural and social
scientists. Further, professions such as dental anthropology, as conceived by
Albert A. Dahlberg (1908–93), cut across all subareas of physical anthropology.
Modern multidisciplinary projects have greatly accelerated the acquisition of
knowledge about Homo sapiens, and they have enhanced the quality of life for
many people through practical applications.
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Q5. What are the major differences between biological anthropology and
physical anthropology?
Ans. Physical or biological anthropology deals with the evolution of humans, their
variability, and adaptations to environmental stresses. Using an evolutionary
perspective, not only measure the physical form of humans - the bones, muscles, and
organs - but also how it functions to allow survival and reproduction. Within the field of
physical anthropology there are many different areas of focus. Paleoanthropology
studies the evolution of primates and hominids from the fossil record and from what can
be determined through comparative anatomy and studies of social structure and
behavior from our closest living relatives. Primatologists study prosimians, monkeys
and apes, using this work to understand the features that make each group distinct and
those that link groups together. Skeletal biology concentrates on the study of
anatomically modern humans, primarily from archaeological sites, and aims to
understand the diseases and conditions these past people experienced prior to dying.
Forensic anthropologists use the study of skeletal biology to assist in the identification
and analysis of more recently deceased individuals. Such cases often involve complex
legal considerations. Human biologists concentrate on contemporary humans,

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