NTA UGC NET/JRF Exam, February 2023 (Anthropology)

Total Questions: 100

21. The 'Loess deposits' are formed by the:

Correct Answer: B. Wind activity
Solution:Loess deposits are formed by wind activity. Loess is a type of sediment that consists mainly of silt, with smaller amounts of sand and clay. It is typically pale yellow or buff and is deposited by wind. These deposits are often found in areas that were once covered by glaciers or in semi-arid regions.

The fine particles are picked up by wind from glacial outwash plains, deserts, or dried riverbeds and are transported over long distances. When the wind slows down, the particles settle and form loess deposits. These deposits are known for being highly fertile and are often used for agriculture. Loess landscapes can be found in various parts of the world, including the central United States, China, and Europe, contributing to the diverse ecosystems and agricultural practices of these regions.

22. The 'Topical' is:

Correct Answer: B. A burial type
Solution:The term "Topical" refers to a burial type. In the context of archaeology, a burial is considered topical when the body or remains are placed in a specific orientation or position that relates to cultural or religious beliefs and practices. Topical burials often include accompanying objects, artefacts, or symbols that hold particular significance for the deceased or the community.

These burial practices provide essential insights into the social structures, religious beliefs, and cultural values of ancient civilizations. By studying topical burials, archaeologists can reconstruct aspects of human behaviour, relationships with the environment, and connections between different cultural groups throughout history.

23. The Clactonian and Levalloisian techniques are named after:

Correct Answer: C. The site name
Solution:The Clactonian and Levalloisian techniques are named after the site name where they were discovered or extensively studied. The Clactonian technique is named after Clacton-on-Sea in England, and the Levalloisian technique is named after the suburb of Levallois-Perret near Paris, France. Both techniques are part of the Lower Palaeolithic era and involve specific methods of flint knapping or stone tool making.

The Clactonian technique is known for its large, unifacial choppers, while the Levalloisian technique is famous for its prepared core method, allowing for more controlled flake production. These techniques represent critical advancements in human technology and creativity and provide valuable insights into early human adaptation, cognition, and cultural development.

24. The Catalhoyuk and Shanidar are:

Correct Answer: B. Early farming sites of Near-East
Solution:Catalhöyük and Shanidar are early farming sites of the Near East. Catalhöyük, located in modern-day Turkey, is one of the best-known Neolithic sites and dates back to around 7500 BCE. It provides critical evidence of early urban settlement, art, religion, and agriculture. Shanidar Cave, located in Iraqi Kurdistan, has provided insights into Neanderthal life and includes evidence of burial practices.

Both sites represent significant phases in the development of human societies, particularly in the shift from hunting and gathering to settled agriculture. The discoveries made at these sites have profoundly impacted our understanding of human history, cultural evolution, and the complex interplay between human societies and their environments.

25. The Soanian culture is characterized by:

Correct Answer: A. Split pebble technology
Solution:The Soanian culture is characterized by split pebble technology. Named after the Soan Valley in Pakistan, the Soanian archaeological culture dates back to the Lower Paleolithic period. The primary tool type associated with this culture is the split pebble tool, created by splitting a pebble into two halves to forma sharp edge.

These tools were mainly used for cutting and chopping and were simple yet effective for various tasks. The Soanian culture is essential for understanding early human adaptation and survival strategies in the region. The use of split pebble technology illustrates the ingenuity and flexibility of early human populations and offers valuable insights into their lifestyles, behaviours, and interactions with the environment.

26. The Colobinae sub-family of Old World monkeys can be distinguished from the cercopithecinae sub family by the presence of:

Correct Answer: A. Sacculated stomach and absence of cheek pouches
Solution:The Colobinae sub-family of Old World monkeys is distinguished from the Cercopithecinae sub-family by the presence of a sacculated stomach and the absence of cheek pouches. Colobinae, also known as leaf monkeys or colobines, have a complex stomach that is divided into compartments. This sacculated stomach helps them digest leaves, which are a significant part of their diet. The bacteria in the stomach compartments break down cellulose in the leaves, a process similar to the digestion in ruminants.

In contrast, the Cercopithecinae sub-family, which includes macaques and baboons, has simple stomachs and cheek pouches used for storing food. The differences in digestive systems reflect the varied diets and ecological adaptations between these two groups, providing insights into their behavioral and ecological strategies.

27. The earliest hominid fossil in the Indian subcontinent was discovered at:

Correct Answer: B. Hathnora
Solution:The earliest hominid fossil in the Indian subcontinent was discovered at Hathnora. Located in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, Hathnora is the site where a partial skull cap of a hominid was found. This discovery represents the species Homo erectus and is believed to date back to around 0.5 to 1.2 million years ago.

The Hathnora find has been a critical piece in understanding early human evolution in South Asia and has contributed to our knowledge about the dispersal of Homo erectus out of Africa into other parts of the world. This discovery also enriches the understanding of early human life and the environmental. conditions of the Pleistocene epoch in the Indian subcontinent.

28. The relationship between sickle cell gene and malaria was established by:

Correct Answer: A. A.C. Alison
Solution:The relationship between the sickle cell gene and malaria was established by A.С. Alison. In the mid-20th century, Alison recognized that the geographical distribution of sickle cell anemia corresponded to regions where malaria was endemic. He concluded that individuals with one copy of the sickle cell gene (sickle cell trait) had increased resistance to malaria caused by the Plasmodium parasite.

The sickle cell gene causes red blood cells to take on a characteristic sickle shape under certain conditions. While individuals with two copies of the gene suffer from sickle cell anemia, those with one copy have enhanced survival in malaria-prone regions, which explains the high prevalence of the gene in those areas. This discovery marked a vital connection between genetics and evolutionary biology, showing how genetic mutations can provide adaptive advantages.

29. The term 'mini satellite' is associated with which of the genetic markers?

Correct Answer: A. Variable number of tandem repeat
Solution:The term ‘mini satellite' is associated with Variable Number of Tandem Repeats (VNTRs). Mini satellites are specific DNA sequences that consist of a short motif repeated in tandem. The number of repeats can vary among individuals, making them valuable for genetic studies, especially in forensic science and paternity testing.

Mini satellites were discovered during the 1980s, and they usually range from 10 to 60 base pairs per repeat, with the entire region stretching over several kilobases. Their high variability among individuals makes them particularly useful for DNA fingerprinting and understanding population genetics. contributing to various applications in biology, anthropology, and law enforcement.

30. Who first demonstrated that ethnic groups differed in their ABO gene frequencies?

Correct Answer: C. H. Hirszfeld
Solution:H. Hirszfeld first demonstrated that ethnic groups differed in their ABO gene frequencies. Working in the early 20th century, Hirszfeld conducted extensive studies on blood groups and found significant differences in ABO blood group frequencies among various populations and ethnic groups. His work laid the foundation for understanding genetic variations and the distribution of blood types across different human populations.

This research has had lasting implications for anthropology, human genetics, and medicine, as it contributed to the understanding of human diversity and has practical applications in blood transfusion and organ transplantation. Understanding the variations in ABO gene frequencies also offers insights into human migration, interbreeding, and the *complex interactions between genetics and environmental factors.