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

Total Questions: 100

41. Arrange the distribution of A, B, AB and O blood groups from the highest to the lowest frequency among the world populations:

(a) O
(b) AB
(c) B
(d) A
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: B. (a), (d), (c), (b)
Solution:The distribution of blood groups from the highest to the lowest frequency among the world populations is O, A, B, and AB, in that order. Blood group O is the most common globally, followed by А, which is prevalent in many populations but notably less so than O.

Blood group B is less frequent than A and is notably higher in some Asian populations. AB is the least common blood group worldwide, a fact consistent across diverse ethnic and geographic groups. This distribution reflects both historical migrations and the effects of natural selection on the genetics of human populations.

42. The concept of 'Inclusive fitness' was given by:

Correct Answer: C. W.D. Hamilton
Solution:The concept of 'Inclusive fitness' was introduced by W.D. Hamilton. This evolutionary theory explains how traits that influence the survival and reproduction of genetic relatives can be selected for, even if they reduce the direct reproductive success of the individual exhibiting the trait.

Inclusive fitness is a cornerstone of the theory of kin selection, which suggests that behaviours that help close relatives can improve an individual's genetic representation in future generations, even if it comes at a cost to the individual's own survival or reproduction.

43. The idea that primary institutions determine the basic personality structure in a culture, which in turn determines its secondary intuitions is attributed to:

Correct Answer: B. Abram Kardiner
Solution:The idea that primary institutions determine the basic personality structure in a culture, which in turn determines its secondary institutions, is attributed to Abram Kardiner. His theory suggests that the primary institutions (such as child-rearing practices and family structure) shape an individual's basic personality profile, which collectively influences the development of secondary institutions (like religion and government).

This concept emphasizes the psychological underpinnings of cultural practices and has been influential in the fields of cultural anthropology and psychoanalysis.

44. The pattern in which anatomical traits and behavioural systems evolve at different rates is called:

Correct Answer: C. Mosaic evolution
Solution:The pattern in which anatomical traits and behavioural systems evolve at different rates is known as mosaic evolution. This evolutionary process describes the phenomenon where different features of an organism, such as the brain, locomotor system, and dentition, do not evolve in lockstep but rather at varying rates and often independently of one another.

This can lead to organisms having a mixture of primitive and derived characteristics, which can be observed in the fossil record, particularly among hominins where different physical traits have evolved at different speeds.

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

List-I (Author)List-II (Concept/Book)
(a) A. WallaceI. Catastrophism
(b) Stephen J. GouldII. Systema Naturae
(c) Georges CuvierIII. Natural Selection
(d) Carolus LinnaeusIV. Punctuated equilibrium

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: B.
Solution:The correct match for the authors and their concepts or books is as follows: Alfred Wallace is best known for independently conceiving the theory of Natural Selection (III) alongside Charles Darwin. Stephen J. Gould famously developed the theory of Punctuated Equilibrium (IV), which posits that species remain stable for long periods interspersed with rapid changes due to significant evolutionary pressures. Georges Cuvier is associated with Catastrophism (I), a theory that states that Earth has been affected in the past by sudden, short-lived, violent events, possibly worldwide in scope.

Carolus Linnaeus created Systema Naturae (II), the pivotal work in which he developed a hierarchical classification system for all living things, laying the groundwork for modern taxonomic nomenclature.

46. Arrange the following approaches/perspectives in their correct order of emergence in 'Development Anthropology':

(a) Participatory approaches
(b) Neoliberalism and Globalisation
(c) Critique of modernisation
(d) Dependency Theory
(e) Sustainable development approach
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: A. (c), (d), (a), (b), (e)
Solution:In the field of Development Anthropology, the emergence of various approaches and perspectives follows a distinct chronological order. The critique of modernization (c) emerged first, questioning the Western-centric views of development and economic growth. This was followed by Dependency Theory (d), which highlighted the relational dynamics between developed and underdeveloped countries, positing that underdevelopment was a direct result of colonial exploitation.

Participatory approaches (a) came next, emphasizing the involvement of local communities in planning and executing development projects to ensure their relevance and sustainability. Neoliberalism and Globalization (b) as perspectives became prevalent later, focusing on market-driven development and the integration of global economic policies. Finally, the Sustainable Development approach (e) evolved, integrating ecological and environmental concerns with development, aiming for sustainability in both economic progress and environental conservation.

47. Which of the values of fertility indicate that the population is above the replacement level?

Correct Answer: B. 2.1
Solution:A fertility value of 2.1 indicates that the population is above the replacement level. This value, often referred to as the "replacement rate," is considered the necessary fertility rate that a population must maintain to replace itself from one generation to the' next without migration.

A rate of 2.1 accounts for the typical mortality rates in developed countries and slightly exceeds the exact replacement to maintain a stable population size. Values below this point, such as 1.9 or 1.5, suggest that the population will decline over time if the trend continues, while a value exactly at 2.0 is close to but not sufficient for long-term replacement given standard demographic factors.

48. The fossil remains of Sahelanthropus were discovered from:

Correct Answer: C. Chad
Solution:The fossil remains of Sahelanthropus, one of the oldest known hominins, were discovered in Chad. This significant find includes the famous skull known as "Toumaï," estimated to be about 7 million years old.

The discovery of Sahelanthropus in Chad has crucial implications for our understanding of human evolution, particularly regarding the early hominin adaptations and their geographic distribution across Africa, challenging the previously held notion that early hominins evolved exclusively in Eastern Africa.

49. The Budh Pushkar lake site in the Thar desert is associated with the evidence of reduction in tool size between:

Correct Answer: C. Flakes and Blades
Solution:The Budh Pushkar lake site in the Thar Desert has been associated with archaeological evidence showing a reduction in tool size from larger, more primitive stone tools to more refined and smaller flakes and blades. This transition indicates technological advancement and adaptation to local environmental conditions, reflecting changes in techniques and materials used by prehistoric populations in tool-making.

The evolution from larger, rougher tools to smaller, more, precise implements is indicative of increasing skill and sophistication in the creation and use of tools, corresponding with broader changes in prehistoric human behaviour and culture.

50. The distinction between descriptive and classificatory systems of kinship was made by L.H. Morgan in his work:

Correct Answer: A. Systems of Consanguinity and Affinity
Solution:The distinction between descriptive and classificatory systems of kinship was made by L.H. Morgan in his work "Systems of Consanguinity and. Affinity." In this seminal anthropological text, Morgan explores how different societies categorize kin relationships, distinguishing between systems that describe biological relationships precisely (descriptive) and those that group several relatives under a single term (classificatory).

This work was foundational in the anthropological study of kinship and contributed significantly to the understanding of how kinship systems vary culturally and function as social structures.