What term describes the holistic study of humanity in anthropology?

The holistic study of humanity is most accurately described by the term anthropology. This field encompasses a comprehensive examination of various aspects of human existence, including cultural, social, biological, linguistic, and archaeological dimensions. Anthropology seeks to understand the complexities of human behavior and societies across time and space, making it distinct from other fields that may focus on narrower aspects.

For instance, anthropometry specifically relates to the measurement of human body parts and dimensions, focusing primarily on physical characteristics rather than the broader spectrum of human experiences and cultures. Cultural evolution studies changes in cultures over time, but it does not encapsulate the entirety of human existence and experiences. Archaeology, while an important subfield, specifically deals with past human societies through material remains and does not consider the full range of contemporary or living human conditions. Hence, anthropology is the most encompassing term that integrates all these varied dimensions of studying humanity.