Biological Anthropology in 2018: Grounded in Theory, Questioning Contexts, Embracing Innovation

In: American anthropologist: AA, Band 121, Heft 2, S. 417-430

Abstract

ABSTRACTBiological anthropology in 2018 encapsulated what past scholars envisioned for its future: a multidisciplinary approach to understanding human and nonhuman primate evolution and diversity using the most innovative techniques and rigorous standards available. This year also built on a tradition of introspection about what biological anthropology encompasses and by whom and how it is conducted. This review highlights research and movements in the field that reflect both of these pursuits. Studies drew on evolutionary theory to generate novel insights into human and nonhuman primate biology, behavior, and organization. Studies on hominin evolution and human biology have upended previous understandings by revealing more dynamic and context‐dependent processes in our ancestry and phenotypic expressions. Across subdisciplines, biological anthropologists have advanced the use of new technologies and analytical techniques and begun to promote open, transparent, and reproducible science among a more diverse community of researchers. [year in review, evolutionary anthropology, context and variation, emerging technologies, transparent methods, researcher diversity]