Running Glossary: Nanda/Warms, Cultural Anthropology, 11e
Online Chapter
evolutionIn its broadest sense, directional change. For biologists, descent with modification from a single common ancestor or ancestral population.
natural selection The mechanism of evolutionary change; changes in traits of living organisms that occur over time as a result of differences in reproductive success among individuals.
mutationA random change in genetic material; the ultimate source of all biological variation.
gene flow Mixing of genetic material that results from the movement of individuals and groups from place to place.
genetic drift Changes in the frequencies of specific traits caused by random factors.
primatesA member of a biological order of mammals that includes human beings, apes, and monkeys as well as prosimians (lemurs, tarsiers, and others).
arborealTree-dwelling.
termite fishing The learned use of twigs or blades of grass to extract termites from their mounds, characteristic of some groups of chimpanzees.
genusIn biological classification, a group of similar species.
speciesIn biological classification, a group of organisms whose members are similar to one another and are able to reproduce with one another but not with members of other species.
bipedalismWalking on two feet, a distinctive characteristic of humans and our ancestors.
australopithecinesMembers of an early hominid genus found in Africa and characterized by bipedal locomotion and small brain size.
omnivoreAn animal that eats both plant and animal foods.
Homo habilisA species of early human found in Africa. Homo habilis were present between 2.5 and 1.8 million years ago.
Oldowan tools Stone tools made by Homo habilis.
Homo erectusA species of early human found in Africa, Asia, and Europe. Homo erectus were present between 1.8 million and about 200,000 years ago.
Homo sapiensA species of human found throughout the world. The earliest Homo sapiens appeared about 500,000 years ago.
“Venus” figurines Small stylized statues of females made in a variety of materials by early modern humans.
clinal distribution The frequency change of a particular trait as you move geographically from one point to another.
melaninA pigment found in the skin, hair, and eyes of human beings, as well as many other species, that is responsible for variations in color.
ricketsA childhood disease characterized by the softening and bending of leg and pelvis bones. Rickets is related to insufficiency of vitamin D and/or calcium.
sexual selection The theory that the evolution of certain traits can be explained by competition for opportunities to mate.