Education

Syllabus Section: 1.3 Main branches of Anthropology, their scope, and relevance

Introduction

Biological Anthropology is the branch of Anthropology that considers humans as biological organisms. As the name indicates, it studies the biological and physical characteristics of humans. Biological Anthropology starts with the study of the origin and evolution of humans and analyses their diversity. It also examines the bio-social adaptation of different human populations living in different geographical and ecological settings. The knowledge of different branches of Biological Anthropology will help us to examine how it deals with human evolution and variation.

Paul Broca defines Biological Anthropology as “the science whose objective is the study of humanity considered as a whole in its parts and in relationship to the rest of nature”.

Meaning and Scope of Biological Anthropology

Biological anthropology, also known as physical anthropology, studies the biological characteristics of humans. Biological anthropology deals with the study of the biological origin, evolution, and variation of human beings. It is interested in the comparative study of the past, present and future of human life from a biological point of view. It also analyses the biological adaptation of different human populations living in different geographical and ecological zones. Biological anthropology looks for scientific evidence in its analysis and references. In the process, it uses some of the general principles of biology and utilizes the findings of anatomy, physiology, embryology, zoology, paleontology, etc.

For a systematic study of this kind, there are many fields of specialization within biological anthropology as the following:

·       Paleoanthropology

·       Primatology

·       Human Genetics

·       Forensic Anthropology

·       Serology

·       Dermatoglyphics

·       Anthropometry and Craniometry

·       Paleopathology

·       Bio-archaeology

· Neuro-Anthropology

·       Biomedical Anthropology

Anthropology optional

Let us take a brief look into these specialized areas of biological anthropology before proceeding further.

Paleoanthropology earlier known as human paleontology is the study of human origin and evolution, particularly as inscribed in the fossil record. Palaeo anthropologists are interested in reconstructing the evolutionary stages of humans, based on fossil evidence. They work with archaeologists, and geologists, in unearthing fossil remains from many parts of the world. The knowledge of osteology helps them to examine, measure, and reconstruct these remains to understand the course of human evolution and identify the possible lines of descent from our ancestors to the present form, Homo sapiens.

Human Paleontology or Paleoanthropology: Human Paleontology studies the fossil evidence of human skeletons of different stages and thereby reconstructs the evolutionary history of humans. This helps in the classification and comparison of the fossils of different stages to determine the link between modern humans and their ancestors.

Primatology is the study of living and extinct primates. Primates include humans, apes, monkeys, and prosimians. Different stages of human evolution can be understood by analyzing the fossil evidence of the primates. Human paleontology helps us in this regard. Any study of human evolution requires an understanding of the members of primates.

Primatology is the study of primates, the group to which prosimians, apes, monkeys, and humans belong. It focuses on how the behavior of non-human primates is similar to that of humans. The anatomy of non-human primates especially monkeys and apes has been studied to ascertain the similarities and differences between these primates and humans.

This type of study helps to trace the evolutionary relationship between human and non-human primates because of the remarkable similarities between monkeys, apes, and humans.

Human Genetics:

Human genetics is the branch of biological anthropology that deals with inheritance and variation. It is the study of gene structure and action and the patterns of inheritance of traits from parents to offspring. To understand how evolution works, it is important to know the mechanisms of heredity.

Forensic Anthropology

Morphological and genetic variations among humans help biological anthropologists to identify individuals, criminals, victims of misshapes and natural calamities etc. The branch of anthropology specialized in such an area is called Forensic Anthropology. It deals with legal matters from an anthropological perspective. It is the application of osteology, paleopathology, archaeology, and other anthropological techniques for the identification of modern human remains or the reconstruction of events surrounding a person’s death and for legal purposes.

Serology: It is a scientific study of blood groups. It studies plasma serum and other red cell enzymes. In practice, the term usually denotes the diagnostic identification of antibodies in the serum. Serological tests are also used forensically, particularly concerning a piece of evidence.

Dermatoglyphics is the study of skin ridges on fingers palms, toes, and soles. Fingerprint patterns are not only used in Forensic investigation but also in genetics to know the variation between two populations.

Anthropometry is the systematic art/study of taking measurements of skeletons and living human beings.

Craniometry is the sub-branch of anthropometry that deals with the measurement of craniums.

The medical college admissions:

The medical college admissions process has become so competitive, being accepted to medical school has never been more complicated than it is now. The number of candidates increases each year, but the number of seats remains constant. Over forty thousand people applied last year, and just about half of them were accepted. More than ever before, it takes a lot more than just good grades and extracurricular activities to succeed. It needs a thorough understanding of the process, the ability to obtain glowing personal references, and, most crucially, the ability to write well-crafted and insightfully.

What is the Formal application process for medical college?

Most people are unaware that, while the formal application process for medical school begins in January of the year before admittance, the informal application process begins the day you enroll in college! The reason for this is that medical school admissions committees evaluate your performance beginning in your freshman year, whether you apply in your junior year or 25 years after graduating from college.

Many aspiring candidates are unaware of this and miss out on an early opportunity to set themselves apart. They devote their first year entirely to their classes, while their more knowledgeable peers volunteer in hospitals or participate in scientific research.

The formal application procedure begins in January of the year before enrollment, taking twenty months.

Medical College Admissions Duration:

It would help if you worked on contacting potential recommendation writers from January to April. A mix of professors and professional references is ideal. It would help if you also were studying for the Medical College Admissions Test (commonly known as the MCAT) and taking it sometime in April during this period. You will work on finishing the AMCAS, which is the actual application, during May and June. The AMCAS is divided into two sections: one for your work and extracurricular activities and another for your statement. It’s worth noting that personal information has become increasingly crucial in determining your chances of admission, so if you’re not a natural writer, get a competent editor. They won’t compose your essay for you, but they can assist you with grammatical and style issues.

Learning duration in medical colleges:

From July to September, medical schools that want to learn more about you will send you secondary applications. Secondary schools include different essay themes encompassing all areas of your life history, unique to each school. Plan to write a lot during these months, as each secondary could contain anything from one to ten more essays!

You will enter any medical schools that have invited you between October and January. All applicants who are eventually admitted to medical schools are interviewed, so be sure to practice your interview skills. Receiving an interview invitation is a positive sign that your chances of admittance to that particular school have increased significantly.

There isn’t much going on in February, but starting in March, you should start hearing from medical schools that use a rolling admissions system to see if you’ve been admitted. However, you will receive the majority of your notifications from March through April. You will be accepted, denied, or placed on a waiting list. If you have been taken to more than one medical school, you must make your final decisions by May 15 and withdraw your applications from the other schools. The procedure formally finishes when you eventually put on a white lab coat and start your medical school in August or September

Is the medical college admissions process competitive?

The medical college admissions process has become competitive. Candidates should begin the preparation process upon incoming college. Candidates can learn more about effective application strategies here: medical college admissions. Learn how to get accepted today!

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