Final answer:
Anthropology, with its systematic inquiry, has evolved over the past 150 years to study human societies and cultures in an integrated, holistic manner. It values the dynamism of human life and extends research to the interdisciplinary study of human-animal relationships and digital social interactions.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anthropology has emerged as a tradition of scientific inquiry over the last 150 years. It is a field that offers a holistic and integrated perspective on human beings, examining human life and culture through various historical and environmental contexts. Anthropologists utilize diverse research strategies to represent human behaviors and social structures, striving to provide an unbiased understanding of different cultures. The modern anthropological approach perceives humans as agents in motion, acknowledging that human societies are constantly evolving. It brings valuable insights to global challenges by focusing on holism, adaptation, and dynamic human-environment interactions.
Moreover, as we have moved into the 21st century, anthropology remains vital in dissecting the complexities of a globalized world. It helps to contextualize conflicts and crises, and anthropologists are encouraged to continue their quest for understanding the richness of human diversity. This inclusiveness extends to the relationships among humans, animals, and culture, and supports interdisciplinary research to grasp the wider implications of human activity.
Lastly, with the rise of digital media, anthropologists have expanded their scope of research to include online sociocultural interactions. This new frontier further illustrates anthropology's adaptability and ambition to understand how human beings create and maintain relationships both offline and online, reaffirming the discipline's value in the modern era.