Human variation refers to the differences found among human populations and individuals in physical, biological, genetic, physiological and adaptive characteristics. Physical and biological anthropology studies these variations to understand human diversity, adaptation, population relationships and evolutionary history. Since human variation is influenced by both heredity and environment, anthropologists use several complementary methods. One important method is the morphological method, which involves studying observable physical characteristics of human beings. Traits such as body build, facial form, hair form, skin pigmentation, nose shape and other bodily features are recorded and compared among populations. Anthropologists may use anthropometry to take standardized measurements of the human body and head. Measurements such as stature, sitting height, head length, head breadth, cephalic index, limb proportions and chest circumference help identify patterns of variation. The anthropometric method is one of the traditional quantitative approaches to studying human variation. Instruments such as anthropometers, spreading calipers, sliding calipers and measuring tapes are used to obtain accurate measurements. Statistical analysis of these measurements helps determine similarities and differences between individuals and populations. Anthropometry has been particularly useful in studying growth, body proportions, nutritional status and physical adaptation. The somatometric and somatoscopic methods are also used. Somatometry involves numerical measurements of the body, while