Final answer:
Applied archaeology and forensic anthropology are examples of how anthropological research is used to address real-world issues, such as crime investigation and cultural heritage preservation through contract archaeology. Forensic anthropology assists law enforcement, while contract archaeology informs land management and construction projects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Applied archaeology and forensic anthropology, such as forensic anthropology and contract archaeology, are examples of how anthropological research and methods can be applied to solve contemporary problems and help communities preserve their heritage. Forensic anthropology uses the techniques of biological anthropology to solve crimes by assessing human remains to uncover details about a victim's identity or their cause and time of death. This sub-discipline often works alongside law enforcement to aid criminal investigations, such as discerning historical events including the analysis of human remains from the Jamestown colony which revealed evidence of cannibalism during a harsh winter.
Contract archaeology, on the other hand, involves archaeological assessments that are typically mandated by government regulations before construction projects can proceed, ensuring that significant archaeological data is not destroyed. It is often conducted by private companies that specialize in archaeological services, providing tribes and other clients with vital information to manage their lands, such as GIS-based studies for effective consultation and preservation activities.
Both forensic anthropology and contract archaeology demonstrate the practical application of anthropological skills in the real world, fulfilling the goals of applied anthropological research by serving justice, informing policy, and protecting cultural heritage.