Anthropology Anthropology is the study of human culture, behavior and biology from a global, comparative and holistic perspective. As a field of study it examines the similarities, differences and development of human culture, behavior and biology. Anthropology is linked through the five subdisciplines of cultural, physical, archaeological, linguistic and applied anthropology. Cultural anthropology focuses on contemporary human societies and on the study and understanding of the entire range of human culture.
Physical anthropology examines human genetics, growth and development and biological evolution.
Archaeological anthropology is concerned with reconstructing the lifeways and cultural evolution of extinct populations and societies through their artifacts and other material remains. Linguistic anthropology focuses on the origin, evolution and description of human languages and the relationship between language and culture. Applied anthropology is concerned with the application of anthropological theories, methods and insights to the solution of real-life problems. The nature and interpretation of the fossil and archaeological record for human biological and cultural evolution are covered. Other topics include biological variability, adaptability and human variation.