THE ESSENCE OF PHYSIOLOGICAL POLYTYPISM : THE METHODOLOGY OF PHYSIOLOGICAL ANTHROPOLOGY(<Special Issue>Physiological Polytypism)

Abstract

Physiological polytypism can be defined as a human biological trait in which several types of physiological mechanisms account for physical and mental functions, and which results in marked human environmental adaptability based on the whole-body coordination of physiological functions at an individual level. Adaptability (not adaptation) refers to a human functional potentiality that allows humans to adjust to the development of new environments, including technological innovation. A discussion of physiological polytypism is no less than an exploration of the methodology of physiological anthropology.