In What Ways Is The Human Primate Unique?

1) The subfields of anthropology seem quite diverse in their specific subjects and methods. Why, then, are they all considered parts of the single discipline of anthropology? What ties them together?

Anthropology is divided up into four sub-fields of study (Park, 2014). The four sub-fields are biological anthropology, cultural anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology (Park, 2014). Together, all four sub-fields make up the discipline of anthropology. Each sub-field studies humans and their evolution, but with different approaches (Park, 2014). Although each subfield focuses on a different aspect, the focus of all fields of study is the human species (Park, 2014). Anywhere from fossil records, genetics, biology, evolution or cultural
(2014). Anthropology. Retrieved from http://writingcenter.unc.edu/handouts/anthropology/

2) In what ways is the human primate a typical primate? In what ways is the human primate unique?

One of the ways that a human primate is considered typical is due to the fact that all primates share a few physical and behavioral characteristics. For example, compared to other mammals, human DNA is closer to that of a lemur, monkey, or ape (Smithsonian.com, 2012). When looking at the physical characteristics, both the eyes of a human and a primate are forward facing and sit close together which is beneficial in depth perception (Smithsonian.com, 2012). Other mammals such as a cow or a giraffe have widely spaced eyes which hinders their perception of depth (Smithsonian.com, 2012). Humans and primates also share a great ability in dexterity. Both primates are able to manipulate objects with their hands in many ways that are not possible in other mammals (Smithsonian.com, 2012). This is possible through the use of the opposable thumbs (Smithsonian.com, 2012). The amount of fingers and toes is also identical (Smithsonian.com, 2012). Another common factor that ties humans to primates is the size of litters (Smithsonian.com, 2012). Typically, both humans and primates only have one offspring at a given
For example, even though humans are not completely hairless, the density of hair is much greater in other primates (MetaPrimate.com, 2013). This lack in hair density put humans at an environmental disadvantage compared to other primates (MetaPrimate.com, 2013). Because humans lack the amount of hair compared to apes, the skin is not protected from the different elements of the natural environment such as the sun, cold, and wind (MetaPrimate.com, 2013). Unlike the typical primate, humans are able to branch out and colonize just about anywhere on earth (MetaPrimate.com, 2013). One of the most important characteristics that make the human a unique primate is the ability to create written commutation (MetaPrimate.com, 2013). Unlike the typical primate, humans are able to communicate to other humans without physical contact (MetaPrimate.com,