Which field of anthropology studies biological evolution and genetic inheritance?

The field of anthropology that studies biological evolution and genetic inheritance is physical anthropology. This branch focuses on understanding humans from a biological perspective, which includes examining the physical development of humans, the evolutionary changes that have occurred over time, and the genetic factors that contribute to human diversity. Physical anthropologists often study fossils, skeletal remains, and the biological aspects of contemporary populations to explore human evolution and adaptation to different environments.

This focus distinguishes physical anthropology from other fields. Cultural anthropology, for instance, centers on understanding human cultures, beliefs, practices, and social structures rather than biological factors. Archaeological anthropology, on the other hand, investigates past human societies primarily through their material remains. Applied anthropology looks at practical applications of anthropological knowledge to address real-world issues but does not specifically focus on biological evolution or genetics. Thus, physical anthropology is the correct answer as it directly addresses the studies related to biological evolution and genetic inheritance.