Question

Biological anthropologists have discovered a previously unknown fossil species. The species lived about 4.4 million years ago in Africa. The dating of this fossil species places it closer in time to the last common ancestor of humans and chimpanzees than most other known fossil species. This newly discovered species has an interesting mix of traits. For example, it has adaptations for climbing in trees as well as for walking on two legs on the ground. It does not directly resemble any of the living ape species, which suggests that the living ape species (including humans) have each become adapted for their own environmental contexts over time. What is the primary subfield of biological anthropology addressed in this research? Group of answer choices primatology human biology forensic anthropology paleoanthropology

Answer 1

The primary subfield of biological anthropology addressed in the fossil species research that lived about 4.4 million years ago in Africa is paleoanthropology. This subfield studies the evolution and behavior of hominids through the fossil record and is crucial in understanding human evolution.

Step-by-step explanation:

Primary Subfield of Biological Anthropology

The research regarding the discovery of a new fossil species that has adaptations both for climbing trees and walking on two legs corresponds to the subfield of paleoanthropology. This subfield specifically deals with the study of ancient humans and their primate relatives' fossil records. Paleoanthropologists aim to understand the evolution and behavior of hominids, the biological family that includes modern humans, Australopithecus, and other early human ancestors.

Biological anthropology is a diverse field with several subfields, but when it comes to the study of human and primate evolution, particularly through fossilized remains, paleoanthropology is the most relevant subfield. This branch of anthropology examines various species in the hominin lineage, their environmental adaptations, and the emergence and migration patterns that have led to the diversity of species observed in the fossil record. The research into the newly discovered species dating back 4.4 million years helps contribute to the broader understanding of our evolutionary history within the context of biological anthropology.

Answer 2

The correct response is paleoanthropology.

Step-by-step explanation:

Paleoanthropology is the branch of anthropology that examines the origins of early humans and theorizes about their evolutionary development. Dating of fossils requires technical knowledge related more to the physical sciences through understandings of geologic strata, radioactive-decay rates, and other chemical and genetic tests. Physical anthropologists study past populations of fossil hominins and nonhuman primates in order to try to piece together the evolutionary history of our closely related species.