Dissertation Topics in Biological Anthropology

Biological anthropologists use fossil evidence to trace and study human evolution.

Biological anthropology is a biosocial science that focuses on the biology and sociology of human beings. Biological anthropologists use evidence of human evolution to show how human beings developed into the species we know today. A dissertation is an extensive paper providing support for a particular topic of study. Dissertations in this field typically involve four areas: evolutionary theory, primate behavior, hominid evolution and evolutionary psychology.

Evolutionary Theory

Evolutionary anthropology focuses on how and why behaviors and cultures change over time. This includes creating mathematical models for evolutionary processes and culture changes. Topics include the formation and expansion of primate and human groups over time, the effects of culture on physical evolution and differences in genetics within the same culture. Mathematical models help predict the course of evolution in a given culture or species, and some research is geared to developing these models.

Primate Behavior

Anthropologists studying primate behavior typically work in the field observing primates in the wild. Jane Goodall is probably the most famous primate anthropologist. Evolutionary theory places primates as our closest relatives, making these studies important in understanding human evolution as well. Topics are similar to those of evolutionary theory with a focus on living free-range primates. The development of social constructs and hierarchies, the benefits of sharing and social interactions are examples of areas of study.

Hominid Evolution

Hominid, or human, evolution studies the gradual development of the human race. Using fossils and other records, anthropologists attempt to understand the biology and evolution of humans individually and culturally over time. Important topics include discovering why and how humans evolved, how we differentiated from primates and cultural evolution. The study of anatomical and genetic changes is also important.

Evolutionary Psychology

Evolutionary psychology is the study of the development of the nervous system, typically with a focus on humans. Evolutionary psychology assumes that the brain is composed of one or more parts specialized to perform specific functions. Researchers in this field seek to understand the morphology and topology of the brain's construction and function. How and why the organ developed this way over time are the major focuses of this field of study.

References

• American Association of Physical Anthropologists: A Career in Biological Anthropology
• Biological Anthropology at UCLA
• Washington State University: Evolutionary Anthropology Program
• Max Planck Institute: Department of Human Evolution
• Institute for Theoretical Biology: What is Evolutionary Psychology?