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Q2. What are the different methods were used for data collection in
physical/biological anthropology?
Shrichakradhar.com
Ans. Different morphological traits of man are meaningfully observed in research of
biological anthropology by the following research methods.
Anthropometry Method: Anthropometric measurements are a series of quantitative
measurements of the muscle, bone, and adipose tissue used to assess the composition of
the body. The core elements of anthropometry are height, weight, body mass index
(BMI), body circumferences (waist, hip, and limbs), and skinfold thickness. It primarily
consists of the measurement of the dimensions of the body.
Anthropometry is divided into Somatometry and Osteometry. Somatometry. It is the
measurement of the living body and cadaver including head and face. Somatometry is
considered as a major tool in the study of human biological variability including
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morphological variation. Osteometry is the measurement of bones especially long bones,
which facilitates in comparing the skeletons of different populations. A few special
instruments are required for collection of the osteometrical measurements.
Somatoscopy: Somatometry is made of two words ‘somato’ which means living and
‘metric’ which refers to measurement, so in simple terms it means measurement of
living beings. Therefore, Somatometry a division of anthropometry is defined as a
systematic technique to measure living body including head and face. Anthropologists
have formulated number of measurements for describing the morphology of man. These
measurements are not arbitrary but are based on anatomical landmarks and have been
in use for hundreds of years. They are useful in comparing various kinds of men living in
different geographical regions, i.e., for racial comparisons or to study variations in body
types. Physical growth
of children is studied on the basis of their body measurements. The nutritional status of
young and adults is also assessed with the help of these measurements. It also facilitates
in the determination of certain physiological functions like vital capacity, basal
metabolic rate, etc. Data generated on the basis of anthropometry surveys of
populations has been an asset for designing proper equipment for use in industry and
defence purposes, spaceships, garments, etc. The anthropometric surveys also provide
norms of the physique of any population and trends of changes in morphological traits.
Serology: Serology is the scientific study of serum and other bodily fluids. In practice,
the term usually refers to the diagnostic identification of antibodies in the serum. Such
antibodies are typically formed in response to an infection (against a given
microorganism),against other foreign proteins (in response, for example, to a
mismatched blood transfusion), or to one's own proteins (in instances of autoimmune
disease). Serologic tests are blood tests that look for antibodies in your blood. They can
involve a number of laboratory techniques. Different types of serologic tests are used to
diagnose various disease conditions.
Serologic tests have one thing in common. They all focus on proteins made by your
immune system. This vital body system helps keep you healthy by destroying foreign

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