Why does physical anthropology include the study of genetics?

Question

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?

查看解析

登录即可查看完整答案

类似问题

将历史选择压力与由此产生的次级进化结果相匹配。 1: A mutation that provides resistance to malaria 2: A mutation that provides some resistance to tuberculosis 3: A CCR-5 cell receptor mutation that provides resistance to small pox

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

Match the historical selection pressure with the secondary evolutionary outcome that resulted. 1: A mutation that provides resistance to malaria 2: A mutation that provides some resistance to tuberculosis 3: A CCR-5 cell receptor mutation that provides resistance to small pox

Genetic Evidence suggests that feathers evolved . . .

In a consumer society, many adults channel creativity into buying things

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People born without creativity never can develop it

A product has a selling price of $20, a contribution margin ratio of 40% and fixed cost of $120,000. To make a profit of $30,000. The number of units that must be sold is: Type the number without $ and a comma. Eg: 20000

更多留学生实用工具

希望你的学习变得更简单

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