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

Total Questions: 100

11. In fingerball pattern types, the Furuhata Index is calculated as:

Correct Answer: B.
Solution:The Furuhata Index is calculated by taking the ratio of the number of whorls to the number of loops in fingerball pattern types and then multiplying by 100. This index is a statistical measure used in dermatoglyphics to analyze the patterns on fingertips, which can be indicative of certain genetic conditions or population characteristics.

The formula (Whorls/Loops) × 100 highlights a method to quantify the prevalence of whorls relative to loops, aiding in the comparative study of fingerprint patterns across different populations.

12. The 'Shrine-rooms' containing large bull murals and clay bull figurines are excavated at:

Correct Answer: A. Catal Huyuk
Solution:he 'shrine-rooms' containing large bull murals and clay bull figurines have been notably excavated at Catal Huyuk, a significant Neolithic site in present-day Turkey.

This site is famous for its wellpreserved architectural and artistic remnants that provide insights into early human urban settlements and religious practices. The bull murals and figurines suggest a symbolic or spiritual significance of bulls in their culture, possibly reflecting fertility, strength, or а deity.

13. Ethnographic records and observations are used in Ethnoarchaeological understandings of:

(a) Pygmies of Congo by Schaffer
(b) !Kung San by Yellen
(c) Australian Aborginies by Gould
(d) Nunamiut People of Alaska by Binford
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: D. (b), (c) and (d) only
Solution:Ethnoarchaeological studies often use ethnographic records to understand past human behaviours through contemporary observations. Notable examples include the study of the !Kung San by Yellen, Australian Aborigines by Gould, and the Nunamiut People of Alaska by Binford.

These studies help archaeologists infer past activities from current practices, such as hunting techniques, domestic arrangements, and tool usage, providing a dynamic bridge between present and past human behaviours.

14. Arrange the following fossil finds in the chronological sequence of discovery:

(a) Australopithecus
(b) Homo habilis
(c) Neanderthal Man
(d) Homo erectus
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: D. (c), (d), (a), (b)
Solution:The chronological sequence of these fossil discoveries starts with Neanderthal Man (c), discovered in the mid-19th century. This was followed by Homo erectus (d), known from discoveries primarily in Java in the late 19th century.

Australopithecus (a) was identified in the early 20th century in Africa, profoundly changing our understanding of human evolution. Finally, Homo habilis (b) was discovered in the 1960s, adding to the complex human lineage with its distinct tool-making abilities.

15. Medical pluralism, as a concept was developed by:

Correct Answer: A. Charles Leslie
Solution:

The concept of medical pluralism was notably developed by Charles Leslie. It explores the coexistence and interaction of different medical systems within the same cultural or geographical area, including biomedicine, traditional medicine, and alternative practices. This concept helps in understanding how different health paradigms interact, compete, and influence health care choices and outcomes in diverse societies.

16. The vulnerability of the PVTGs is mainly because of:

(a) Encroachments into their command area
(b) Negative consequences of contact with other communities
(c) Declining population
(d) Lack of literacy
(e) Identity crisis
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: C. (a) and (b) only
Solution:The vulnerability of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) is significantly due to encroachments into their command areas (a) and the negative consequences of contact with other communities (b).

Encroachments often lead to loss of land and resources critical for their subsistence, while contact can result in the spread of diseases to which PVTGS have no immunity and can disrupt their social structures and cultural practices.

17. Which of the following statements are correct for radio-isotopic dating method?

(a) The decay occurs to unstable isotopes
(b) The decay is spontaneous
(c) The half life of all the radio-isotopic elements is the same
(d) ⁴⁰K is radioactive; and slowly decays to ⁴⁰Ar
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: D. (a), (b) and (d) only
Solution:Radio-isotopic dating methods rely on the knowledge that radioactive decay occurs to unstable isotopes (a), and this process is spontaneous (b). An example is 40K, which decays to 40Ar (d), used in potassium-argon dating.

This method is crucial in dating geological and archaeological materials by measuring isotopes' decay products, providing a timeframe for events and processes. The statement that the half-life of all radio-isotopic elements is the same (c) is incorrect as half-lives vary widely among different isotopes.

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

List-I (Authors)List-II (Book/Concept)
(a) A.L. KroeberI. Growing up in New Guinea
(b) A. Kardiner & R. LintonII. Configurations of Cultural Growth
(c) B.B. Whiting & othersIII. Basic personality and Status personality
(d) Margaret MeadIV. Six Cultures

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: D.
Solution:The correct matches are as follows: A.L. Kroeber is best known for his work on "Configurations of Cultural Growth" (II), focusing on the patterns of cultural development. A. Kardiner & R. Linton developed theories related to "Basic personality and Status personality" (III), exploring the interplay between individual psychology and cultural factors. B.B. Whiting and others authored "Six Cultures" (IV), an extensive comparative study of childhood and cultural patterns. Margaret Mead wrote "Growing up in New Guinea" (I), detailing her observations of adolescent behaviour in different cultures.

19. A shift from inbreeding to panmixia may lead to:

Correct Answer: B. Decrease in homozygosity
Solution:A shift from inbreeding (where closely related individuals breed) to panmixia (random mating within a population) typically leads to a decrease in homozygosity. This is because random mating increases genetic diversity by mixing more diverse genetic backgrounds, thus reducing the proportion of individuals who are homozygous for certain traits.

20. The concept of 'genetic drift' was originally given by:

Correct Answer: C. Sewall Wright
Solution:The conçept of genetic drift was originally developed by Sewall Wright, a prominent geneticist. Genetic drift describes the process by which allele frequencies within a population can change due to random sampling effects, especially in small populations. This concept is fundamental in population genetics, explaining how populations evolve over time apart from natural selection pressures.