Anthropology is uniquely the holistic science of humanity.  It is the study of people--their origins, adaptations and ecology, distribution, customs, languages, and social and religious beliefs.  Anthropological study includes human genetics as well as personality and society, the prehistoric past as well as the present, indigenous peoples as well as industrial urbanites, the customs of ancient civilizations as well as the beliefs of folk peoples today and the study of our evolutionary relatives, the non-human primates.  Anthropologists reconstruct societies and civilizations of the past, and analyze the cultures and languages of modern peoples.  Anthropology is the study of all aspects of humanity at all times.

Anthropology deals with the biological and cultural aspects of human development and behavior, and contributes to a better understanding and appreciation of existing cultural differences.  Through the comparative study of humanity's long and complex development from its dim origins to the present, anthropology offers a unique awareness of our place in nature--who we are, where we come from, and what in the future we may be able to achieve.  This foundation of knowledge and this understanding of our social and cultural differences contribute to intelligent decision making and preparation for full participation in life and work.