A major concentration of study in biological anthropology is concerned with the evolutionary ascent of humankind. Students study the development of evolutionary theory, including how to define evolution, the differences between transmutation of species and natural selection, and the necessary components of natural selection. In addition, students discuss the ideas on human origin which occurred prior to the development of evolutionary theory. The historical study of the topic includes some of the major contributors to the theory from Aristotle to Charles Darwin. Other evolutionary topics of study include adaptability where certain biological traits develop in response to habitat and geographic variations, a form of adaptability, where certain physical traits are connected to a specific geographical region.
Understanding how humans develop, means understanding how biological traits pass from generation to generation. Students of biological anthropology will be required to understand genetic theory which involves several categories. First, students learn the basics of cells and cell division, which should include recognizing the parts of the cell and how they function; DNA and RNA; chromosomes including sex chromosomes and autosomes; the process of cell division; and how all of these components work together to create life. Next students will need to study the laws of inheritance and how genes determine certain traits, including the occurrence of genetic variations. The final area of study is the actual physical development of people including information on body growth, nutrition, and sexual development.
As humankind's closest relative on the evolutionary chain, primates are of a particular interest to biological anthropologists. This information allows researchers to trace man's history even farther into the past, understanding migration and population patterns. Areas to study when reviewing information on primates should include the evolution of primates from their origins to the development of Homo sapiens, primate classification, primate ecology and primate social and cultural behavior.
The emergence of human civilization owes much to the developments of the past. As man has advanced from Neanderthal to the present, he has created various technologies which have allowed for the spread and development of new ideas. Studies on this category should include the development of upper Paleolithic civilization including tool development and artistic forms. In addition, attention should be given to later developments such as language and cognitive advancements. Students review the concepts of race and gender, examining arguments on whether or not these concepts are matters of biology or environment.