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Physiological anthropology: past and future
1Department of Anthropology, University at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14261, USA. atsjr@buffalo.edu
Journal of Physiological Anthropology
|April 18, 2006
Summary
Human biology research has shifted focus from physiological equilibrium to understanding adaptive human responses. Future studies must link physiological patterns to survival and reproduction for evolutionary integration.
Area of Science:
- Human biology
- Anthropology
- Physiology
Background:
- Environmental studies in adaptive human biology have historically focused on physiological equilibrium models.
- Research has provided insights into human responses to physical and social challenges through laboratory and field work.
Observation:
- Early research primarily focused on physiological processes, often without linking them to significant outcomes like reproductive success or survival.
- Around 1975, a shift occurred towards studying health, change, and stress response, though still lacking a genetic or evolutionary framework.
Findings:
- Physiological anthropology has developed biocultural models integrating physiology, morphology, environment, and behavior.
- These models focus on proximate causes, with less emphasis on genetic basis for outcomes like work or energy management.
Implications:
- Future research must establish causal links between physiological patterns and important individual/societal outcomes.
- Integrating heritability of physiological traits and their role in survival/reproduction is crucial for evolutionary biology.
- This work aims to position physiological anthropology within the overarching theory of evolutionary biology.