Depending on the focus of his or her job, a biological anthropologist, also known as a physical anthropologist, can engage in a variety of activities. The physical development of humans from an anthropological perspective is the broad topic with which all biological anthropologists work, but this topic can be applied professionally in a variety of ways. For a biological anthropologist, research and teaching are always options, but forensic investigations, museums, and zoos may also be of interest. An anthropologist of this type may also find consulting work with businesses that require specific knowledge of human growth and development.
Biological anthropologists all conduct research and write, whether for a living or for academic purposes. Effective research is required for analysis, and almost all anthropology jobs necessitate effective communication. This can be a major or minor part of a biological anthropologist’s job, depending on the type of work he or she does. In biological anthropology, research often entails going to the library, but it can also entail conducting experiments and gathering evidence in the field. Scientific investigations can be the primary responsibility of an anthropologist in some cases, especially when working in a group.
If a biological anthropologist works for a university, he or she may be expected to teach in addition to conducting research. Anthropologists working in museums and zoos may be expected to perform educational duties in some cases. The exact mix of responsibilities associated with teaching biological anthropology varies by institution.
Biological anthropologists have a variety of other options, some of which involve applying their unique perspective to specific projects. When a biological anthropologist is hired to consult on an engineering project, for example, he or she might be asked to examine the findings of this discipline in a unique way. As a result, a biological anthropologist’s job often requires flexibility and creativity.
When considering what a biological anthropologist does, it’s important to remember that the field has evolved dramatically over time, both in terms of methodology and how the findings are applied. Biological anthropology was once used to justify many policies that were later found to be racist and discriminatory, as well as to define human race physical characteristics. In addition to philosophical shifts, scientific advancements in the field have drastically altered the anthropologist’s basic job responsibilities. What a biological anthropologist does is determined not only by his or her job, but also by the time of day.