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

Total Questions: 100

31. The coefficient of consanguinity is equal to _ the nature of coefficient of relationship.

Correct Answer: A. One-half
Solution:The coefficient of consanguinity is equal to one-half the nature of the coefficient of relationship. In genetics, the coefficient of consanguinity is a measure of how closely two individuals are related. It quantifies the probability that two individuals share the same allele by common descent.

The coefficient of relationship, on the other hand, measures the proportion of shared genetic material between two individuals. The coefficient of consanguinity considers only the common ancestry and not the full genetic relationship, so it is half the value of the coefficient of relationship. This mathematical relationship helps in understanding the genetic relatedness and can be applied to various contexts, such as inbreeding calculations, kinship, and pedigree analysis.

32. If one per cent males in a population exhibit colours blindness; what is the frequency of heterozygous women?

Correct Answer: D. 0.0198
Solution:If one per cent of males in a population exhibit colour blindness, the frequency of heterozygous women would be 0.0198. Colour blindness is a recessive X-linked trait. Since males have only one X chromosome, if 1% (0.01) have colour blindness, then the frequency of the normal X chromosome (X) in males is 0.99.

Since the allele frequencies must be the same in males and females, the frequency of the colour blindness allele (x) in females is also 0.01, and the frequency of the normal allele is 0.99. The frequency of heterozygous women (Xx) is calculated using Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium as 2 * 0.99* 0.01 = 0.0198. This equation and concept play a crucial role in population genetics, helping understand the genetic structure of populations.

33. The totality of deleterious alleles in a population is known as:

Correct Answer: B. Genetic load
Solution:The totality of deleterious alleles in a population is known as genetic load. Genetic load is a measure of the relative decrease in the mean fitness of a population due to the presence of alleles that have harmful effects. These deleterious alleles can reduce an individual's ability to survive and reproduce, thus decreasing the overall fitness of the population.

Genetic load is an essential concept in population genetics and evolutionary biology. It can result from various factors, including mutations, genetic drift, and selection pressure. Understanding genetic load can provide insights into the evolutionary dynamics of a population and the potential challenges it may face in adapting to environmental changes.

34. Who is associated with the discovery of Laeotoli fossilized footprints?

Correct Answer: D. Mary Leakey
Solution:Mary Leakey is associated with the discovery of Laetoli fossilized footprints. The Laetoli footprints are a set of ancient hominin footprints found in Tanzania, dating back to around 3.6 million years ago. Mary Leakey and her team discovered the footprints in volcanic ash in 1978.

The footprints provide valuable evidence of bipedalism in early hominins, likely belonging to the species Australopithecus afarensis. The discovery of these footprints has been instrumental in understanding the evolution of human locomotion and offers a rare glimpse into the behavior and social structure of our early ancestors. The Laetoli footprints remain one of the most significant and fascinating finds in paleoanthropology.

35. Which of the following bones is not a part of human axial skeleton?

Correct Answer: A. Humerus
Solution:The humerus is not a part of the human axial skeleton. The axial skeleton consists of bones that form the central axis of the body, including the skull, vertebral column, rib cage, and sternum. In contrast, the humerus is a bone in the arm and is part of the appendicular skeleton, which includes the bones of the limbs and the girdles that connect them to the axial skeleton.

The distinction between the axial and appendicular skeleton is fundamental to understanding human anatomy and biomechanics. The axial skeleton provides support and protection for vital organs, while the appendicular skeleton enables movement and interaction with the environment.

36. The book 'Culture, Biology and Anthropology Demography' was authored by:

Correct Answer: A. Eric Abella Roth
Solution:Eric Abella Roth authored the book "Culture, Biology, and Anthropological Demography." The book delves into the interdisciplinary field of anthropological demography, where culture, biology, and demographic behaviour intertwine. By bridging. the gap between anthropology and demography, Roth explores how cultural practices influence population dynamics, fertility, mortality, migration, and other demographic factors.

This work adds significant insights into the complex relationship between human behaviour and demographic patterns, enhancing our understanding of population studies within the context of cultural diversity and biological factors. Such an interdisciplinary approach allows for a more nuanced perspective on human populations and their interactions with the environment.

37. The total number of human chromosomes was determined by:

Correct Answer: C. Joe Hin Tjio and Albeit Levan
Solution:The total number of human chromosomes was determined by Joe Hin Tjio and Albert Levan. In 1956, these scientists successfully identified the correct number of human chromosomes as 46. Before their discovery, the accepted number of chromosomes was erroneously believed to be 48.

Tjio and Levan's work was revolutionary in human  cytogenetics, paving the way for further genetic studies, including the mapping of specific genes to individual chromosomes. Understanding the correct chromosomal count laid the foundation for advances in medical genetics, including the diagnosis and treatment of chromosomal disorders like Down syndrome.

38. Which of the non-human primates is not found in India?

Correct Answer: D. Papio
Solution:Among the listed non-human primates,  Papio (baboons) are not found in India. Loris, Presbytis (leaf monkeys), and Macaque species are native to various parts of the Indian subcontinent. Baboons belong to the genus Papio and are native to parts of Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

The distribution and diversity of primates in India is an essential aspect of the country's rich biodiversity. Studying these primates provides insights into their ecology, behaviour, and evolutionary relationships, contributing to conservation efforts and enhancing our understanding of human evolution as well.

39. Which of the following is not a nonparametric statistical test?

Correct Answer: A. ANOVA
Solution:ANOVA (Analysis of Variance) is not a non-parametric statistical test. Non-parametric tests make no assumptions about the underlying distribution of the data, whereas ANOVA relies on the assumption that the data follows a normal distribution and that variances are equal across groups. In contrast, Spearman's Rank Correlation, Mann Whitney U test, and Chi-square test are examples of non-parametric tests.

These non-parametric methods are often used when the assumptions of parametric tests cannot be met, allowing for more flexible analyses. Understanding the difference between parametric and nonparametric tests is crucial in statistical analysis, ensuring that the correct method is applied based on the nature of the data.

40. The theme of the 15th Cold Spring Harbour Symposium on Quantitative Biology held in 1950 was:

Correct Answer: B. Origin and Evolution of Man
Solution:The theme of the 15th Cold Spring Harbour Symposium on Quantitative Biology held in 1950 was "Origin and Evolution of Man." The Cold Spring Harbour Symposium series has been an influential platform for the discussion and dissemination of cutting-edge research in biology.

The 1950 symposium brought together prominent scientists to discuss various aspects of human origins and evolution. At the time, the study of human evolution was gaining momentum, and new fossil discoveries were adding to the understanding of our evolutionary history. The theme's selection marked a significant moment in anthropology, reflecting the growing interest and scientific focus on unraveling the complex story of human development. It provided a space for collaboration, debate, and synthesis, shaping the direction of research in human evolution for years to come.