Human Variation and Adaptation Flashcards
Race in anthropology
The term “race”, is often not utilized in anthropology due to the incommensurable variation in the human species.
Ethnicity
Sociocultural factors
Biological affinity
Biological/genetic factors
How is melanin produced?
Sunlight stimulates melanocytes to produce melanin pigments. Selective pressure for darker skin. Melanin blocks UV rays which in turn protects us against skin cancer.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is key in the mineralization of bones. UV radiation contributes to Vitamin D synthesis. Selective pressure for fair skin.
Homeostasis
Balance within a biological system
Stressor
Anything affecting homeostasis.
Adaptation
Response to stressors.
Bergmann’s Rule
States that within a broadly distributed taxonomic clade, populations and species of a larger size are found in colder environments, and species of smaller size are found in warmer regions.
Allen’s rule
body form or shape is linear in warm climates and more rounded and compact in cold climates. Round forms have a smaller surface area to volume ratios.
Cultural adaptation
Way we behave. i.e. Activity scheduling, wearing warm clothes, air conditioning
Acclimatization
Short term adaptation i.e. Sweating and vasodilation.
Genetic adaptations
Multigenerational adaptations i.e. Dark skin, body size, salt content of sweat.
Developmental acclimatization
Birth to death adaptations. Chronological adaptations in response to environmental stressors.
Heat adaptations
Cultural: air conditioning/fans and raised homes. Acclimatization: vasodilation and perspiration. Genetic adaptations: lean and linear bodies, reduced salt content of sweat, and dark skin.
