What is the difference between Osteology and anthropologists?

Question

What is the difference between Osteology and anthropologists?

Answer 1

Osteologists study the structure and function of human bones (osteo- means bones). Antropologists also study bones but the purpose is to find the differences between ancient human beings and the modern ones. Also, the anatomy of the bones can reveal the way ancient humans move their body. The primary focus of anthropology is human culture so the study of bones is just an aspect of anthropology.

Answer 2

Osteologists can be anthropologists... it's in the field of physical anthropology.

That being said, the average definition of an anthropologist is someone who studies cultures and an osteologist studies bones.

Answer 3

Osteology is the study of bones and anatomy; anthropological osteology is not so much related to culture, though it can be in certain contexts (skull shaping, etc).   I took a Forensic Anthropology class and we studied basic anatomy, trauma, paleopathology, and characteristics of "races" (which is just a social construct, it has no biological relevance).  It doesn't necessarily have anything to do with ancient humans; modern medical examiners and forensic anthropologists date both recent human remains found in crime scenes, and older remains too.