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

Total Questions: 100

61. Arrange the stages of adulthood from the beginning to the end:

(a) Transition
(b) Prime
(c) Senescence
(d) Gradual decline
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: C. (b), (d), (a), (c)
Solution:The stages of adulthood from the beginning to the end in the correct sequence are Prime (b), Gradual decline (d), Transition (a), and Senescence (c). This sequence reflects the typical progression through adult life: beginning with the Prime, where individuals are at their peak of physical and often mental capabilities, followed by Gradual decline, where the initial signs of aging may begin to appear.

Transition represents a shift towards older adulthood, preparing for the final stage, Senescence, which involves the process of biological aging and is typically characterized by reduced physical and cognitive function.

62. If religion is a pattern of symbols, then the task of anthropology is to interpret, translate or decode the symbols. This was pursued by:

(a) C. Levi-Struass
(b) Victor Turner
(c) Sherry Ortner
(d) Clifford Geertz
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: C. (b) and (d) only
Solution:Victor Turner and Clifford Geertz are anthropologists who focused on interpreting, translating, or decoding religious symbols. Victor Turner is well known for his work on symbols within ritual contexts, particularly within his theory of social dramas and processes.

Clifford Geertz, on the other hand, emphasized a semiotic approach to culture, where he saw religion as a system of symbols which acts to establish powerful, pervasive, and long-lasting moods and motivations in people. Geertz's interpretive approach to anthropology sought to understand the meanings of religious rituals, symbols, and beliefs within their specific cultural contexts.

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

List-IList-II
(a) Radiocarbon datingI. Volcanic rocks
(b) Fission-Track datingII. Crystalline solids like pottery
(c) Archaeomagnetic datingIII. Organic materials like charcoal and wood.
(d) Thermoluminescence datingIV. Clay and clay soils

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: C.
Solution:The correct matching for each dating technique to its application is as follows: Radiocarbon dating is used for (III) organic materials like charcoal and wood, as it measures the decay of carbon-14 isotopes within formerly living things. Fission-Track dating applies to (I) volcanic rocks, utilizing the tracks left by the spontaneous fission of uranium-238.

Archaeomagnetic dating is suited for (IV) clay and clay soils, where it measures changes in the Earth's magnetic field recorded by fired materials. Thermoluminescence dating is used (II) on crystalline solids like pottery, dating the time since they were last heated to a high temperature.

64. The restudies conducted by Oscar Lewis and Derek Freeman have been criticised about the methodological aspect related to:

Correct Answer: B. Reliability
Solution:The restudies conducted by Oscar Lewis and Derek Freeman have been criticized for issues related to reliability. In anthropology, reliability refers to the consistency and reproducibility of research findings. Critics of Lewis and Freeman have pointed out potential biases and inconsistencies in how these anthropologists gathered, interpreted, and presented their data, raising concerns about the reliability of their conclusions, especially given the potential influence of the researchers' own perspectives and the changing contexts of the studied communities over time.

65. What is true about the first discovery of Australopithecus?

(a) The first discovery was from South Africa
(b) It is dated to about 20 mya
(c) It was discovered by Raymond Dart
(d) The fossil was of a child
(e) It belonged to A. robustus category
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: B. (a), (c) and (d) only
Solution:The first discovery of Australopithecus was indeed from South Africa (a), made by Raymond Dart (c), and the fossil was of a child known as the Taung Child (d). This discovery was significant as it provided the first evidence of early hominid species in Africa.

Dart's finding shifted the focus of paleoanthropological research to Africa, which has since been central to studies on human origins. The discovery did not date to about 20 million years ago (mya), and it was not classified as A. robustus but rather as Australopithecus africanus, making some of the other statements incorrect.

66. Erythropoiesis means:

Correct Answer: D. Increase in the O₂ carrying capacity through the production of more RBC's and opening of the capillaries in the peripheral tissues
Solution:Erythropoiesis is the process of producing red blood cells (RBCs) in the body. This process naturally enhances the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood by increasing the number of RBCS, which are the cells primarily responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body.

Additionally, erythropoiesis can involve physiological changes that improve oxygen delivery to tissues, such as the opening of capillaries in peripheral tissues. This enhances overall oxygen availability and efficiency in supporting metabolic activities in the body's cells.

67. In ambilocal residence type, the couple may choose to live

(a) Patrilocally
(b) Matrilocally
(c) Amitalocally
(d) Avunculocally
(e) Neolocally
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: A. (a) and (b) only
Solution:In ambilocal residence type, the couple may choose to live patrilocally or matrilocally. This type of residence pattern provides flexibility for the couple, allowing them to decide whether to live near the husband's family (patrilocally) or the wife's family (matrilocally) depending on which arrangement best suits their circumstances.

This choice can be influenced by factors like economic opportunities, familial obligations, or cultural preferences. Amitalocally and avunculocally do not typically apply in ambilocal contexts, nor does neolocally, which involves setting up an independent household.

68. In which of the following consanguineous marriages, the coefficient of inbreeding is the same?

(a) First cousin
(b) Double first cousin
(c) Half sib
(d) Uncle niece
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: A. (c) and (d) only
Solution:The coefficient of inbreeding, which measures the probability of two alleles being identical by descent, is the same for half-sib and uncle-niece marriages. Both these relationships result in a coefficient of inbreeding of 1/8, indicating a significant probability that the offspring will inherit the same alleles from both parents due to the common genetic heritage shared in these relationships.

First cousins have a lower coefficient of inbreeding (1/16), while double first cousins have a higher coefficient (1/8 from each set of shared grandparents, total 1/4).

69. The dental formula of human milk teeth is:

Correct Answer: C. 2. 1. 0. 2
Solution:he dental formula of human milk teeth, also known as deciduous or primary teeth, is 2 incisors, 1 canine, 0 premolars, and 2 molars on each side of the mouth, both in the upper and lower jaws. This totals 20 teeth. The dental formula is expressed as 2.1.0.2, representing the number and type of teeth in one-half of the mouth (as human  dental formulas are mirrored on each side).

70. Dental comb in Lemurs is formed by forward projection of :

Correct Answer: A. Incisors and canines
Solution:The dental comb in lemurs is a specialized structure formed by the forward projection of the lower incisors and canines. This comb-like arrangement of teeth is used for grooming and possibly for feeding by scraping or combing through foliage to collect food particles.

This feature is particularly notable in lemurs, contributing to their unique adaptations among primates, which assist in their survival and efficiency in their natural habitats.