Why does physical anthropology include the study of genetics?

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BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks why physical anthropology includes the study of genetics, so we evaluate each option against the core aim of the field.
Option 1: 'Because physical anthropology’s research funding is often contingent on including cutting-edge fields like genetics to stay competitive in the scientific community.' While funding considerations can influence research directions, this reason does not address the methodological or theoretical rationale for studying genetics in physical anthropology. It portrays a logistical motivator rather than a disciplinary justification, making it an inaccurate portrayal of the field’s aims.
Option 2: 'Because DNA is exclusive to humans, and physical anthropology focuses on human biology.' This statement is factually incorrect because DNA is not exclusive to humans; all living organisms have genetic material. Moreover, physical anthropology does study humans, but the claim about exclusivity misstates biology and weakens the connection between genetics and the field’s evolutionary focus.
Option 3: 'Because the discipline focuses on human evolution, and evolution is inherently a genetic process.' This option aligns with the core purpose of physical anthropology: understanding humans through evolutionary perspectives, which are grounded in genetic variation, inheritance, and population history. Genetics provides the mechanisms and data by which evolutionary change is explained, making this a strong, conceptually sound justification.
Option 4: 'Because human evolution can only be understood through the lens of genetics.' This overstates the role of genetics by implying exclusivity; while genetics is essential, paleoanthropology and other lines of evidence (fossil morphology, archaeology, anthropology of culture, environmental data) also contribute to understanding human evolution. Therefore, this option is too narrow.
Option 5: 'Because the study of human genetics can reveal specific environmental pressures that have shaped evolutionary trends.' While this is true in part, it describes one aspect of the gene–environment interplay rather than the fundamental reason physical anthropology includes genetics. By itself, it does not capture the broad rationale that genetics underpins the study of evolution within the discipline.
In summary, option 3 most accurately reflects the foundational justification: physical anthropology focuses on human evolution, and evolution is fundamentally tied to genetic processes, making genetics integral to the field. The other options either misstate biology, overstate genetics’ exclusivity, or present logistical reasons rather than scientific rationale.

ANTH101 #73038 Online (Fall 2025) Exam 2

Why does physical anthropology include the study of genetics?

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ANTH101 #73038 Online (Fall 2025) Exam 2

Why does physical anthropology include the study of genetics?

View Explanation

Log in for full answers

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Todd Preuss states that genes __ related to , and the gene related to _, are examples of genes positively selected in human evolution.