Physical anthropology, also known as biological anthropology, encompasses various subfields that focus on different aspects of human biology, evolution, and behavior.

Here are the main branches of physical anthropology:

Primatology:

Primatology is the study of non-human primates, including their behavior, ecology, morphology, and evolutionary relationships. Primatologists investigate topics such as social structure, communication, mating systems, and conservation biology in primates.

Human Evolutionary Biology:

Human evolutionary biology examines the biological and behavioral adaptations of humans and their ancestors over time. This field investigates topics such as hominin fossil record, evolutionary genetics, comparative anatomy, and the origins of modern humans (Homo sapiens).

Paleoanthropology:

Paleoanthropology focuses on the study of fossil hominins (ancestors of modern humans) and their evolutionary history. Paleoanthropologists analyze fossil remains, artifacts, and geological evidence to reconstruct the evolutionary relationships, behavior, and environments of extinct hominin species.

Human Osteology:

Human osteology involves the study of human skeletal remains to understand aspects of anatomy, growth, development, and pathology. Osteologists analyze bones and teeth to determine age, sex, stature, health status, and demographic characteristics of individuals from archaeological or forensic contexts.

Forensic Anthropology:

Forensic anthropology applies anthropological methods and techniques to legal and criminal investigations involving human remains. Forensic anthropologists identify skeletal remains, estimate time since death, determine cause of death, and provide expert testimony in legal proceedings.

Bioarchaeology:

Bioarchaeology combines archaeological and biological approaches to study human skeletal remains from archaeological sites. Bioarchaeologists investigate patterns of health, diet, disease, trauma, and social behavior in past populations to understand their lifeways and cultural practices.

Paleopathology:

Paleopathology examines diseases and injuries in ancient populations through the analysis of skeletal remains. Paleopathologists identify evidence of diseases, infections, nutritional deficiencies, and physical trauma in skeletal remains to reconstruct the health status and living conditions of past populations.

Human Variation and Adaptation:

Human variation and adaptation explore the genetic, physiological, and cultural diversity of human populations. Anthropologists investigate patterns of variation in traits such as skin color, blood groups, and lactose tolerance, as well as adaptations to different environments, climates, and lifestyles.

Dental Anthropology:

Dental anthropology focuses on the study of human teeth and dental morphology to understand aspects of diet, behavior, evolution, and population history. Dental anthropologists analyze dental traits, occlusal morphology, and dental microwear patterns to infer dietary habits and evolutionary relationships.

These branches of physical anthropology intersect with other disciplines, such as genetics, archaeology, ecology, and sociology, to provide insights into the biological and cultural dimensions of human existence and evolution.