In anthropology, what does the term "culture" encompass?

The term "culture" in anthropology is a broad concept that encompasses the collective beliefs, practices, and material traits of a group. This definition reflects the comprehensive nature of culture, which includes not only artistic expressions and intellectual endeavors but also the everyday practices, rituals, languages, social norms, and shared values that characterize a particular society.

Culture shapes how individuals within a group understand their world, interact with each other, and express their identities. It is learned and transmitted across generations, making it a foundational aspect of human societies. By considering culture as encompassing these various elements, anthropologists can study the complexity and diversity of human behavior and social organization more effectively.

The other options provided do not capture the full essence of culture. Focusing only on the arts and humanities overlooks the vital everyday practices and beliefs that also define a society. Biological characteristics pertain to physical attributes and are separate from cultural expressions. Lastly, while a set of rules governing social behavior is an element of culture, it does not represent the entirety, as culture also includes a wide array of beliefs and material traits beyond just social rules.