Be an Anthropologist
American Military University

Define evolution (using textbook and/or lecture notes)
Charles Darwin proposed that all species changed over a period of time. During this period of time, species evolved; some stayed the same, and some changed drastically. Some flourished and some became extinct. This occurred by the process of natural selection (Park, 2014). DNA changes over time, which can cause mutations which effect the future production and growth of an organism. There is no set amount of change an organism will see, if it sees any at all.
Discuss what evolution is in terms of physical anthropology.
In physical anthropology, evolution is the change of living organisms over time, studying how they adapt with their environment and the stresses that go along with it (Park, 2014). From one generation to the next, there are specific aspects or traits of an organism that stay the same, and there are some that are constantly evolving. These changes can occur over billions of years and go unnoticed in short periods, but are significantly different in a lengthy time period.
Discuss what a physical anthropologist may examine/investigate in order to study evolution (e.g. population DNA).
One aspect of physical anthropology that examines and investigates the process of evolution would be Paleoanthropology. Paleoanthropologists are individuals who study extinct organisms or fossils. It’s important to understand that they are not searching for human ancestors but rather our biological and technological origins and evolution. (Middle Awash Project UC Berkley, 2015). There are several important aspects that are studied, such as reproduction, anatomy, and physiology of these individuals.

Discuss ‘how’ a physical anthropologist would study your answer for Q3 and why it is helpful for studying evolution.
A physical anthropologist would study