Which field of study examines biological evolution in humans and non-human primates?

Prepare for the University of Toronto ANT100Y1 Introduction to Anthropology Midterm Test. Enhance your understanding with multiple-choice questions and detailed explanations. Get ready for success in your anthropology exam!

The study of biological evolution in humans and non-human primates is most accurately characterized by paleoanthropology. This field specifically focuses on the origins and development of early humans and our ancestors, examining fossil records and biological data to understand how humans evolved. Paleoanthropologists investigate the anatomical and genetic traits of both contemporary and extinct species, providing insights into evolutionary processes.

While primatology focuses on the behaviors, biology, and sociocultural aspects of non-human primates, it doesn’t exclusively deal with evolution. Medical anthropology, on the other hand, looks at health practices and beliefs within various cultural contexts, and forensic anthropology is concerned primarily with the identification of human skeletal remains in legal contexts. Therefore, paleoanthropology is the most relevant field when considering the examination of biological evolution in both humans and non-human primates.

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