A bison jump (also called a buffalo jump) is a prehistoric hunting technique used by Indigenous peoples of North America, in which herds of bison were driven over cliffs or steep embankments to kill or disable them in large numbers. This practice reflects both ecological adaptation and complex social organization. 🌍 Definition Bison Jump: A…

A birdstone is a prehistoric Native American artifact, typically carved from slate or porphyry into abstract bird-like forms, dating from about 5000 to 2500 years ago. Their exact function remains debated, but they are often interpreted as ceremonial objects, atlatl weights, or tools connected to weaving and fiber processing. 🌍 Definition & Morphology Form: Small,…

Bipolar percussion is a lithic reduction technique in stone tool production where a core is placed on an anvil and struck from above, causing flakes to detach from both ends simultaneously. It is a distinctive method used when raw material is small, tough, or difficult to work with using freehand percussion. 🌍 Definition Bipolar Percussion:…

Bipoint is a lithic typological term used in archaeology to describe a stone tool or projectile point that is symmetrically pointed at both ends, rather than having a distinct base and tip. It is less common than unipointed projectile forms but appears in certain prehistoric contexts. 🌍 Definition Bipoint: A bifacially flaked stone artifact with…

Bipedalism is the ability to walk upright on two legs, a defining characteristic of humans and a central focus in biological anthropology and evolutionary studies. It represents one of the most significant adaptations in our lineage. 🌍 Definition Bipedalism: Locomotion using two legs as the primary mode of movement. Contrast: Quadrupedalism: Movement on four limbs…

Biological species is a central concept in evolutionary biology and anthropology, defined most famously by Ernst Mayr’s Biological Species Concept (BSC). It emphasizes reproductive isolation as the key criterion for distinguishing species. 🌍 Definition Biological Species: A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring, and are reproductively isolated from other such groups.…

Biological imperatives are the fundamental drives or needs rooted in biology that guide the survival, reproduction, and continuation of life. They are universal across species, though expressed differently depending on ecological and cultural contexts. 🌍 Definition Biological Imperatives: Innate, non-negotiable requirements for survival and reproduction, embedded in the physiology and evolutionary history of organisms. Core…

Biological anthropology (also called physical anthropology) is the branch of anthropology that studies humans, their ancestors, and related primates from a biological and evolutionary perspective. It explores human variation, adaptation, genetics, and fossil evidence to understand what it means to be human. 🌍 Definition Biological Anthropology: A natural science subfield of anthropology concerned with the…

Binomial nomenclature is the formal system of naming species using two Latinized names: the genus and the specific epithet. It was introduced by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century and remains the foundation of modern biological classification. 🌍 Definition Binomial Nomenclature: A standardized naming system where each species is given a two-part name. Structure: Genus…

Binomen is a term from biological taxonomy that refers to the two-part scientific name of a species, following the system of binomial nomenclature developed by Carl Linnaeus in the 18th century. 🌍 Definition Binomen: A two-part Latinized name used to uniquely identify a species. Structure: Genus name (capitalized) Specific epithet (lowercase) Example: Homo sapiens (humans),…

Binocular vision is the ability to use both eyes together to perceive a single, three-dimensional image of the world. It is a key adaptation in humans and many animals, allowing for depth perception and spatial awareness. 🌍 Definition Binocular Vision: Vision that integrates input from both eyes simultaneously. Resulting Effect: Produces stereopsis (depth perception) by…

Bilocal residence is a post-marital residence pattern in anthropology where a newly married couple has the option to live with or near either the husband’s family or the wife’s family. It is a flexible system that contrasts with more rigid residence rules like patrilocal (living with the husband’s family) or matrilocal (living with the wife’s…