Physical Anthropology Glossary

A trait that increases an organism's fitness in a particular environment, arising through natural selection over generations.

One of two or more alternative forms of a gene at a particular locus on a chromosome.

Habitual locomotion on two legs, the defining characteristic of the hominin lineage.

A form of arboreal locomotion in which primates swing from branch to branch using their arms. Characteristic of gibbons and seen to a lesser extent in great apes.

A gradient of gradual change in the frequency of a trait or allele across a geographic region.

A dating method that uses patterns of annual tree-ring growth to establish chronologies for archaeological and paleoenvironmental contexts.

The evolutionary increase in brain size relative to body size, a prominent trend in hominin evolution.

A cast of the interior of a cranium, providing information about brain size and surface morphology in fossil species.

The large opening at the base of the skull through which the spinal cord passes. Its position is used to assess bipedality in fossil hominins.

A reduction in genetic diversity that occurs when a small group establishes a new population separated from the original larger population.

The movement of alleles between populations through migration and interbreeding, which tends to homogenize genetic differences.

Random fluctuations in allele frequency from generation to generation, particularly significant in small populations.

The genetic makeup of an individual organism, consisting of the specific alleles present at each locus.

A member of the tribe Hominini, including modern humans and all extinct species more closely related to humans than to chimpanzees.

The study of the form and structure of organisms, including their size, shape, and proportions.

A permanent change in the DNA sequence of an organism, providing the raw material for evolutionary change.

The differential survival and reproduction of individuals due to differences in traits that affect fitness in a given environment.

The scientific study of bones, including their structure, function, and pathology.

The study of human ancestors through the fossil record, integrating geology, archaeology, and biology.

The observable physical or biochemical characteristics of an organism, produced by the interaction of genotype and environment.

The evolutionary history and relationships among a group of organisms, often depicted as a branching tree diagram.

A member of the order Primates, characterized by grasping hands, forward-facing eyes, and large brains relative to body size. Includes prosimians, monkeys, apes, and humans.

Systematic physical differences between males and females of the same species, such as body size, canine size, or ornamentation.

The study of rock layers (strata) and their relative positions, used to establish the chronological context of fossils and artifacts.

The science of classifying organisms into hierarchical groups based on shared characteristics and evolutionary relationships.