Final answer:
An archaeologist, a type of anthropologist, would likely study a buried garbage mound to understand past human activities. They use excavation methods to analyze material remains such as artifacts and bones to gain insights into the culture, diet, and social practices of ancient societies.
Step-by-step explanation:
An anthropologist who would study a garbage mound that has been buried underground is most likely an archaeologist, a specific type of anthropologist. Archaeologists are particularly interested in studying past human activities through the excavation and analysis of material remains. In the context provided, such as the Puebloans' garbage mounds, an anthropologist might analyze the remnants to understand the culture, dietary practices, and social behaviors of the people who created the mounds.
Bioarchaeology is another closely related field that studies human remains in archaeological contexts to explore socioecological systems and cultural identity. However, the primary focus of bioarchaeologists is on skeletal material, while an archeologist would be more broadly interested in artifacts from the broken pots and bones, among other materials, found within the refuse of a past civilization.
Anthropologists utilize various methodologies across their diverse fields, such as excavation and fieldwork, to study how people interact with their environments, create meaning, and adapt to sociocultural pressures. These studies allow us to appreciate the interdependencies between humans and nature, informing our understanding of past and present human societies.