Final answer:
The statement that anthropologists only study living cultures is false. Anthropologists study a wide range of topics across different eras, including ancient cultures through archaeology and modern societies through cultural observation.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that anthropologists only study living cultures is False. Anthropology is the comprehensive study of humanity that extends across time and space. It encompasses the examination of all realms of human experience, including both historic and contemporary societies. Anthropologists are interested in a wide spectrum of topics such as human biology, cultural practices, language, and how societies have adapted to environmental conditions throughout history.
Within the field of anthropology, there are several subfields, including cultural anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, and linguistic anthropology. Cultural anthropologists immerse themselves deeply in the cultures they study, sometimes for extended periods, engaging in what is known as fieldwork. The depth and breadth of these studies demonstrate that anthropologists are not restricted to examining only living cultures.
Anthropologists study a variety of cultural artifacts, conduct ethnographies, and focus on human interactions with the environment, all of which contribute to understanding both the ancient and modern worlds. They also engage with the study of ontology to understand differing perceptions of reality across cultures. By integrating the examination of both living and non-living cultures, anthropologists aim to provide a comprehensive view of human existence.