Physical anthropologists, also known as biological anthropologists, focus on the study of human evolution, biological diversity, and the physical adaptations of humans and their ancestors. Their research includes:
- Human Evolution – Studying fossils and ancient remains to understand the origins and development of humans.
- Primatology – Observing primates (e.g., chimpanzees, gorillas) to learn about human evolutionary behavior.
- Human Variation – Examining genetic and biological differences among modern human populations.
- Forensic Anthropology – Analyzing human remains for legal and investigative purposes.
- Bioarchaeology – Studying skeletal remains from archaeological sites to understand past populations’ health, diet, and lifestyles.
- Adaptation and Genetics – Investigating how humans adapt biologically to different environments, such as high altitudes or extreme climates.
Their work helps answer questions about where humans came from, how we have changed over time, and how biology influences our daily lives.