The combination of this information, however, forms a firm foundation for scientific research.
Archeology has long been a laboratory for evolutionary studies and the field of physical anthropology has relied heavily upon archeology for documenting much of its research into the lifestyles of the ancient people that they have investigated. With the advent of DNA technology, anthropologists have been able to use the archeological specimens to trace the domestication of animals and plants and scientific conclusions have been able to be drawn that would not have been available but for the DNA technology. Because physical anthropology is heavily dependent on the biological evolution of the human and primate species the contributions of archeology to this study are invaluable. In fact, there is some modern thought that archeology is actually losing its distinctiveness as a separate field of study and is slowly, but surely, merging into the field of anthropology. Regardless of whether or not archeology is viewed as a separate discipline or part of the study of anthropology, it is indisputable that the techniques and methods used by archeologists have made a significant contribution to the field of anthropology. It has allowed anthropologists to more accurately date and chronicle the place of humans and other primates in nature, the patterns that occurred within these groups within evolution, and the impact of genetics and their significance. Anthropologists have been theorizing for years about these topics but the artifacts uncovered by archeologists have provided the physical proof that the anthropologists have been lacking...
Archeology is the old science that has been around for centuries while the study of anthropology is still in its infancy. Nevertheless, anthropology is quickly absorbing archeology to the point that the two disciplines are beginning to be viewed as one and the same. In the process of studying both disciplines, it becomes obvious how this interdependence developed and how strong the interdependence is. Prior to the advancements in DNA research and technology archeology had made significant contributions but its importance was intensified as other disciplines began to utilize its methods and findings. The study of anthropology was eager to find a method for documenting its theories of evolution and the dating provided by DNA from archeological artifacts provided this method.
References
Fahlander, F. (2004). Archaeology and Anthropology: Brothers in Arms? - on Analogies in 21st Century. In F.F. (editor), Material Culture and Other Things-Post Disciplinary Studies in 21st Century (pp. 185-211). Gothenburg: Gotarc.
Jurmain, R. (2008). Essentials of Physical Anthropology. Beverly, MA: Wadsworth Publishing.
Kaestle, F.A. (2002). Ancient DNA in anthropolgoy: Methods, applications, and ethics. American Journal of Physical Anthropology, 92-120.
Royal Anthropological Institute. (n.d.). Discover Anthropology. Retrieved January 22, 2012, from Discover Anthropology: http://www.discoveranthropology.org.uk/
Evolution from two subfields
