1.3.b Scope and relevance of Physical/biological anthropology

Physical anthropology treats human beings as organisms. They thus try to define, analyse and explain human evolution, human biology and human variations in relation to environment, culture and society. It thus focuses its attention to biological evolution of humans and human ancestors, the reltaion of humans to the organisms and patterns of biological variations within nad among human populations.
It has multiple specializations-
Palaeontology
Primatology
Human biology(genetics, oestology, serology, dermatoglyphics)
Race
Human ecology ( bio-social adaptations and nutritional)
Demographics
Medical anthropology
Forensic
Anthropometry(somatometry,cephalometry, craniometry, phsiometry, osentometry)
Following are the scopes of different specialisations of biological anthropology-
Race as a major sub branch has adopted a new way of looking at human varioation. It no more demends on measurements for classification of humans into types. It studies history, migration, environments, adaptations, genetics, physiology, growth and development, morphology and serology of different populations to know the differences in frequency of phenotypic and genoryphic character to classify man in races, sub races, ethnic groups or isolates and to detect the underlying causes for such variation.
Primatology, palaeontology, primate biology, comparative anatomy and ethology deal with evolution fo primates and humans. To do this it evaluates living and extinct primates and compares them to living and extinct humans. It also compares the tools used by them at different times to give us a picture of 1) who out common ancestors are 2) how humans evolved from them.
Race, human ecology, nutrition anthropology, demogfaphic anthropology, medical anthropology, forensic anthropology  help the study of human variations besids human evolution. The population genetics  molecular genetics and other branches of genetics reveal human variations at teh population level and at the molecular, biochemical, immunological, ecological and other levels. At the same time serogenetics reveals not only the diverse blood group systems but also the gentic relationship and the possible ancestors of humans.
--
It helps in crime investigations with identification of material remains and other proofs in terms of DNS, finger prings dermatolographics, teeth and hair. It helps in identifying susceptibility to certain diseases based on genetics and cultural impact.
It helps the industry in designing of better cockpits, ejection seats in aeroplaces; Safer cars with more comfortable riding positions; moder furnitures and sanitary ware.
It helps in sports by identifying what body types can excel at what sports and what nutrition would help in performance.
They help in space missions by designing appropriately safe space suits and oxygen masks.
It helps military in designing better helmets, goggles, armour, gloves, boots and uniforms. It also helps in preparation for warfare in high altitude, deserts and snow.