Final answer:
Archaic humans are identified by morphological differences, like skull features, and genetic variations. Modern molecular technologies complement traditional fossil analysis, enhancing our understanding of human phylogenetic relationships. The study of ancient human diversity includes examining how environmental factors influenced evolution.
Step-by-step explanation:
Archaic humans can be distinguished through morphological differences, as well as other biological variations. Morphological features such as skull thickness, supraorbital ridges, and the absence of a prominent chin are key traits that set archaic Homo apart from anatomically modern humans. In addition to physical morphology, variations in DNA have offered insights into differences in traits like resistance to diseases and the effects of environmental factors on human evolution.
Morphological analyses, examining characteristics like height and facial structure, provide valuable insights into the human past. However, molecular technologies such as genetic and DNA analysis have revolutionized our understanding of human phylogenetic relationships, revealing both visible characteristics and invisible genetic markers that contribute to human diversity.
Anthropologists and paleoanthropologists scrutinize both fossil evidence and genetic information to unravel the history of human species. Variations observed in the fossil record, such as those in the genus Homo, showcase adaptation to diverse and variable environments, influenced by factors like UV radiation, diet changes, and climate variability, highlighting the resilience and adaptability of ancient humans.