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Definition
Biological anthropology studies human evolution, heredity, variation and adaptation using scientific methods, while recognising the influence of culture on biology.
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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.
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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.
Short notes for this Anthropology syllabus heading.