paleoanthropology

[ pey-lee-oh-an-thruh-pol-uh-jeeor, especially British, pal-ee- ]

noun

1. the study of the origins and predecessors of the present human species, using fossils and other remains.

paleoanthropology

/ pā′lē-ō-ăn′thrə-pŏl′ə-jē /

1. The scientific study of extinct members of the genus Homo sapiens by means of their fossil remains.

Other Words From

• pale·o·anthro·polo·gist noun
• pa·le·o·an·thro·po·log·i·cal [pey-lee-oh-an-thr, uh, -p, uh, -, loj, -i-k, uh, l, pal-ee-], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of paleoanthropology¹

First recorded in 1915–20; paleo- + anthropology

Example Sentences

According to the researchers, one application of better understanding the factors that drive natural variation in human head shape is informing paleoanthropology studies, potentially shedding light on the early development of modern humans.

From Science Daily

But experts from such diverse fields as paleoanthropology and nutrition are questioning these ideas.

From Scientific American

It also bears mentioning that much of the research into exercise physiology, paleoanthropology, archaeology and ethnography has historically been conducted by men and focused on males.

From Scientific American

Drawing on research from physiology, paleoanthropology, archaeology, and more, they show that women have always hunted and are better adapted to some endurance tests than men.

From Scientific American

In today’s scholar-eat-scholar world of paleoanthropology, claims of cannibalism are held to exacting standards of evidence.

From New York Times