of the Skeletal Biology of South America

Introduction The purpose of this paper is to summarize the studies carried out in the field of physical anthropology in South America. The primary aspects of the study of physical anthropology are to establish, from a morphological point of view, the similarities and/or differences between populations of a particular geographic region (Munizaga 1980:124). The principle method of accomplishment is based on the comparative study of skeletal size and shape; in South America the most important analysis is that of the skull (Munizaga 1980:124). Research of skeletal material has been focused around studies of the skull (Stewart and Newman 1963:19). Much of the skeletal biology realized is of archaeological material. The studies carried out center around archaeological finds such as mummies and Pre-Columbian individuals. Much work needs to be done on modern populations. The research studies of skeletal material are few and are centered around specific regions, many geographical regions have not been accounted for .