Short notes
Consanguinity and Affinity
Definition
Biological anthropology studies human evolution, heredity, variation and adaptation using scientific methods, while recognising the influence of culture on biology.
Example / case study
- Lactase persistence → long-term milk consumption in pastoral populations → selection for lactose tolerance.
- Thus, biological anthropology connects genetic evolution with culturally created dietary practices.
- 2. Archaeological Anthropology — Material Science + Human Meaning
- Helps estimate prevalence of inherited disorders.
Thinkers
- Claude Lévi-Strauss: Used genealogical/kinship data to develop Alliance Theory, focusing on marriage and exchange between lineages.
- India: S.C. Roy documented Oraon genealogies; Irawati Karve used genealogical mapping to study village kinship and exogamy in Maharashtra.