NTA UGC NET/JRF Exam, August 2024 (Anthropology)

Total Questions: 100

1. Arrange the racial categories identified by H.H. Risley in Indian population from Northwest to Eastern India:

(a) Indo Aryan
(b) Aryo Dravidian
(c) Turko Iranian
(d) Mongolo Dravidian
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: B. (c), (a), (b), (d)
Solution:The correct arrangement of racial categories identified by H.H. Risley from Northwest to Eastern India starts with the Turko-Iranian in the Northwest, characterized by a predominant influence from Central Asia. This is followed by the Indo-Aryan group, which is mainly found in the northern and central parts of India and reflects a mix of early Indo-European traits.

Next is the Aryo-Dravidian category, found in central and southern India, representing a blend of the northern Aryans and the southern Dravidians. Finally, the MongoloDravidian category is located in Eastern India, particularly in the areas bordering Myanmar and Bangladesh, illustrating a mix of Mongolian and Dravidian characteristics. This sequence (Turko-Iranian, Indo-Aryan, Aryo-Dravidian, Mongolo-Dravidian) reflects a geographical and ethnological gradient from the rugged terrains of the Northwest towards the more tropical and forested regions of the East.

2. Match the List-I with List-II.

List-I (Chromosomal aberration)List-II (Syndrome)
(a) XYYI. Klinefelter Syndrome
(b) X0II. Edward Syndrome
(c) XXYIII. Turner Syndrome
(d) Trisomy 18IV. Jacob Syndrome

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: D.
Solution:The correct matches between chromosomal aberrations and syndromes are as follows: XYY corresponds to Jacob Syndrome (IV), noted for an extra Y chromosome which can lead to taller stature and sometimes learning difficulties. XO, which is a missing X chromosome in females, causes Turner Syndrome (III), characterized by short stature and nonfunctional ovaries among other features.

XXY is associated with Klinefelter Syndrome (I), where males have an extra X chromosome leading to symptoms like reduced muscle mass, facial hair, and can be associated with infertility. Trisomy 18, where an individual has three copies of chromosome 18, is known as Edward Syndrome (II), and it leads to severe developmental disabilities and often a shortened lifespan. This arrangement accurately reflects the genetic basis and associated phenotypes of each syndrome.

3. The technique used for preparing Solutrean Laurel Leaf blades was:

Correct Answer: B. Pressure flaking
Solution:Solutrean Laurel Leaf blades, known for their symmetrical and sharp form, were predominantly made using the pressure flaking technique. This method involves applying a continuous and controlled pressure using a tool to flake off small, precise portions of stone, allowing for a finer and more detailed shaping than other techniques like Clactonian or Levalloisian flaking.

The Solutrean period, part of the Upper Paleolithic era, is noted for this advanced stonework which required skilled craftsmanship, indicating a significant development in human technological evolution during this time.

4. Who among the following did not study Jajmani system?

Correct Answer: D. J. Hutton
Solution:Among the listed anthropologists, J. Hutton did not study the Jajmani system. The Jajmani system is a traditional Indian socioeconomic system that defines the roles and relationships between different caste groups primarily in rural areas. W. Wiser, C.J. Fuller, and T.

Beidelman have all contributed to the study of this system through their ethnographic and anthropological research in India, focusing on the interactions between patrons and service providers within this framework. J. Hutton, however, is more renowned for his work in other aspects of Indian society and anthropology, not specifically the Jajmani system.

5. Which of the following features are true for high altitude habitations?

(a) Cold temperature
(b) Intense solar radiation
(c) Excessive vegetation
(d) Hypoxia
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: A. (a), (b) and (d) only
Solution:High altitude habitations are characterized by several distinct environmental conditions. These include cold temperatures (a) due to the higher elevation and thinner atmosphere, intense solar radiation (b) as the thinner atmosphere filters fewer UV rays, and hypoxia (d), which is a reduced level of oxygen in the air at high altitudes that can affect human health and physical performance.

Excessive vegetation (c) is generally not true for high altitudes, as these areas are more likely to feature sparse vegetation due to the harsh climatic conditions and shorter growing seasons. This selection of features highlights the unique challenges and adaptations required for living in high-altitude environments.

6. Which of the following characteristics are found among the Inuit populations, but not among tropical dwellers?

(a) Ectomorphic somatotype
(b) Increased metabolic heat production
(c) Greater transfer of heat to the extremities
(d) Greater surface area to body mass
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: C. (b) and (c) only
Solution:The Inuit populations, adapted to cold Arctic environments, exhibit specific physiological characteristics distinct from tropical dwellers. One such characteristic is increased metabolic heat production (b), which helps maintain body heat in extremely cold conditions.

The Inuit also show greater transfer of heat to the extremities (c) to prevent frostbite, crucial for survival in Arctic climates. This contrasts with tropical dwellers who are adapted to release heat from the body to cope with warmer temperatures.

The option suggesting greater surface area to body mass (d) is incorrect for Inuit populations, as their body proportions typically include a lower surface area to body mass ratio to minimize heat loss. Similarly, ectomorphic somatotype (a) characterizes a lean and tall physique, more common in warmer climates to dissipate heat, which is not typical among Inuit.

7. The differences between traditional anthropological methods and participatory methods like PRA are:

(a) Data remains with the people and they own it
(b) The methods are more objective and focused
(c) No hypothesis is tested, hence not scientific
(d) People understand their own problems and arrive at solutions
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: C. (a) and (d) only
Solution:The differences between traditional anthropological methods and participatory methods like Participatory Rural Appraisal (PRA) include the localization and empowerment aspects. Data remains with the people and they own it (a), making PRA distinct in that it emphasizes community ownership and control over data collection and use, enabling a deeper connection and relevance to the local context.

Furthermore, people understand their own problems and arrive at solutions (d), highlighting the PRA's focus on facilitating local problemsolving by empowering communities to analyze their own situations rather than being passive subjects of study. This differs from traditional methods, which might not engage local insights to the same extent and typically involve hypotheses testing.

8. Arrange the following fieldwork traditions in Anthropology in chronological order:

(a) Anthropological (inter-disciplinary) expeditions
(b) Participant observation
(c) Armchair anthropology
(d) Restudies
(e) Participatory research
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: B. (c), (a), (b), (d), (e)
Solution:Arranging the fieldwork traditions in  anthropology chronologically, Armchair anthropology (c) emerges first, characterized by scholars drawing conclusions from others reports without direct field experience. This was followed by anthropological (interdisciplinary) expeditions (a), which involved more direct observations and collection of cultural artifacts.

Participant observation (b), a method pioneered by Bronisław Malinowski during the early 20th century, represents a more immersive and systematic approach to fieldwork. Restudies (d) and participatory research (e) are more modern developments, with restudies involving revisiting previous study sites to observe changes over time, and participatory research emphasizing collaborative, community-based research methods.

9. Arrange the following geological epochs in chronological order from the earliest to the latest:

(a) Miocene
(b) Eocene
(c) Pliocene
(d) Oligocene
(e) Palaeocene
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: В. (e), (b), (d), (a), (c)
Solution:The correct chronological order of these geological epochs from the earliest to the latest is Palaeocene (e), Eocene (b), Oligocene (d), Miocene (a), and Pliocene (c). This sequence is part of the Cenozoic Era, detailing the progression of geological and climatic transformations that significantly shaped the development of modern ecosystems and the evolution of various life forms.

Each epoch represents a specific time frame characterized by distinet climatic conditions, flora, and fauna, documenting the gradual evolution of the planet's life and landscapes.

10. The evidence of the child burial of Jorwe period in double urns with grave goods was found at:

Correct Answer: A. Nevasa
Solution:The evidence of child burial from the Jorwe period in double urns with grave goods was found at Nevasa, an archaeological site in Maharashtra, India. This find is significant as it provides insights into the burial practices and social structures of the Jorwe culture, which was part of the later Chalcolithic period in the region.

The inclusion of grave goods suggests a belief in an afterlife or the importance of the individual in the community, indicating complex social and religious developments during this time period. The site at Nevasa has been crucial for understanding the cultural and historical context of ancient human settlements in the Indian subcontinent.