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

Total Questions: 100

81. Arrange the archaeological sites in sequential order in which they characterize the cultural phases from earliest to latest.

(a) Rakhigarhi
(b) Attirampakkam
(c) Burzaham
(d) Langhnaj
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: C. (b), (d), (c), (a)
Solution:The correct sequence of the archaeological sites that characterize the cultural phases from earliest to latest is: (b) Attirampakkam, (d) Langhnaj, (c) Burzaham, (a) Rakhigarhi. Attirampakkam is an important site in India's Tamil Nadu, dating back to the Lower Paleolithic period around 1.5 million years ago. Langhnaj in Gujarat represents the Mesolithic phase and dates to around 10,000 years ago.
Burzaham, located in Kashmir, relates to the Neolithic period, around 7,000 years ago, showcasing early agricultural practices. Finally, Rakhigarhi is a significant site of the Indus Valley Civilization dating around 5,000 to 4,000 years ago. This sequence portrays the chronological evolution of human settlement and cultural development in the Indian subcontinent.

82. Arrange the following landmarks of the upper extremity from proximal to distal end.

(a) Acromian
(b) Stylion
(c) Dactylion
(d) Radiale
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: B. (a), (d), (b), (c)
Solution:The correct arrangement of the landmarks of the upper extremity from proximal to distal end is: (a) Acromian, (d) Radiale, (b) Stylion, (c) Dactylion. The Acromian is the lateral extension of the spine of the scapula and is the most proximal landmark.

The Radiale is related to the radial bone, followed by the Stylion, the distal part of the radius. Finally, the Dactylion is the tip of the middle finger, representing the most distal point in the upper extremity. Understanding this order is essential for medical, anatomical, and physiological studies, offering insights into the human body's complex structure.

83. Arrange the following stages of growth in the descending order of growth rates.

(a) Mid-childhood
(b) Infancy
(c) Prenatal
(d) Adolescent
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: C. (c), (b), (d), (a)
Solution:The correct arrangement of the stages of growth in the descending order of growth rates is: (c) Prenatal, (b) Infancy, (d) Adolescent, (a) Mid-childhood. The prenatal phase is characterized by the most rapid growth, as the embryo develops into a fullterm fetus.

Infancy follows with considerable growth in the first two years of life. The adolescent phase, which includes puberty, is marked by another rapid growth spurt but is slower compared to infancy. Mid-childhood sees the slowest growth rate. Understanding these stages is vital in pediatrics, nutrition, and education, as they inform care and developmental support throughout a child's life.

84. Identify the correct sequence of the following osteological characters as they appear in the human body from head to foot:

(a) Linea aspera
(b) Trochlea
(c) Foramen Magnum
(d) Medial Malleolus
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: C. (c), (b), (a), (d)
Solution:The correct sequence of the osteological characters as they appear in the human body from head to foot is: (c) Foramen Magnum, (b) Trochlea, (a) Linea aspera, (d) Medial Malleolus. The Foramen Magnum is an opening in the skull that allows the spinal cord to connect with the brain.

The Trochlea is a part of the humerus involved in the elbow joint. Linea aspera is a ridge on the posterior surface of the femur, while the Medial Malleolus is part of the tibia in the ankle. This sequence helps in understanding the skeletal structure, providing critical knowledge for various fields like anthropology, forensics, and medicine.

85. Identify the correct sequence of appearance of the major early humans in chronological order from the earliest to the latest:

(a) Australopithecus afarensis
(b) Homo neanderthalensis
(c) Hотo erectus
(d) Homo habilis.
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: B. (a), (d), (c), (b)
Solution:The correct sequence of appearance of the major early humans in chronological order from the earliest to the latest is: (a) Australopithecus afarensis, (d) Homo habilis, (c) Hoто erectus, (b) Homo neanderthalensis. Australopithecus afarensis existed around 3.9 to 2.9 million years ago and represents an early hominin species.

Homo habilis appeared around 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago, marking the beginning of the Homo lineage. Homo erectus existed from about 1.9 million to 100,000 years ago and is known for its wide geographical spread. Finally, Homo neanderthalensis, the Neanderthals, lived around 400,000 to 40,000 years ago. This sequence is vital for understanding human evolution, illustrating the gradual development of physical and cognitive traits that define modern Homo sapiens.

86. Given below are two statements:

Statement I: 'Sacred Complex' involves sacred geography, sacred practices and sacred specialist of Hindu place of pilgrimage.

Statement II: A 'Sacred Complex' reflects a continuity, compromise and a combination of the great and little traditions.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
Solution:Both Statement I and Statement II are true. The term 'Sacred Complex' in the context of Hindu places of pilgrimage involves sacred geography, sacred practices, and sacred specialists. Sacred geography refers to the specific locations considered holy, sacred practices involve the rituals and ceremonies performed, and sacred specialists are the religious figures like priests or sages who conduct these practices.

Statement II is also true as a 'Sacred Complex' does reflect a continuity, compromise, and a combination of the great and little traditions. The great tradition refers to the pan-Indian classical form of Hinduism, whereas the little tradition pertains to the local or regional customs and practices. The Sacred Complex concept recognizes the integration and harmony of these traditions, enhancing our understanding of the complexity of religious practices in Hinduism.

87. Given below are two statements:

Statement I: Like positivism, phenomenology is a philosophy of knowledge that lays emphasis on direct observation of phenomenon.

Statement II: Unlike positivists, however, phenomenologists seek to sense reality and describe it in words that reflect consciousness and perception.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: A. Both Statement I and Statement II are true
Solution:Both Statement I and Statement II are true. Phenomenology, like positivism, emphasizes the direct observation of phenomena. It is a philosophical approach that seeks to understand human experience from a first-person perspective. Unlike positivists, who focus on objective observation and verification, phenomenologists aim to sense and describe reality in terms that reflect consciousness and perception.

They seek to explore the lived experiences of individuals and the meanings those individuals ascribe to their experiences. Thus, phenomenology does share an emphasis on observation with positivism but diverges in its approach to understanding and describing that reality.

88. Given below are two statements:

Statement I: According to B.S. Guha's classification of Indian populations, Mediterranean and Orientals are the two subcategories under the category 'The Mediterranean’.

Statement II: The only difference in the physical feature between Mediterranean and Oriental sub-categories is the long and convex nose among the later sub-category.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: D. Statement I is incorrect, but Statement II is correct
Solution:Statement I is incorrect, and Statement II is correct. In B.S. Guha's classification of Indian populations, he did not classify Mediterranean and Orientals as two subcategories under the category 'The Mediterranean.' His classification focused more on racial and physical characteristics.

Statement II is correct in describing a physical feature difference between Mediterranean and Oriental sub-categories, with the latter often characterized by a long and convex nose. This classification has historical significance but has been criticized and refined with the advancement in anthropological and genetic studies.

89. Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): The mental ability of Homo sapiens had been matured enough to cognize the biotic and aesthetic understandings of nature as depicted on cave walls and ceilings.
Reason (R): The progressive development of brain and the changing environmental conditions contributed to the development of thinking capacity of humans.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below

Correct Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Solution:Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). The mental ability of Homo sapiens had indeed matured enough to cognize the biotic and aesthetic understandings of nature as depicted on cave walls and ceilings. This is evident from the intricate cave paintings found in various parts of the world.

Reason (R) correctly explains this phenomenon, as the progressive development of the human brain and the changing environmental conditions contributed to the thinking capacity of humans. The evolution of cognition allowed for symbolic thinking and the ability to represent abstract concepts, such as the natural world, through art.

90. Given below are two statements: One is labelled as Assertion (A) and the other is labelled as Reason (R).

Assertion (A): Tropically adapted populations have linear body builds, characterized by low body mass, small trunks, and relatively long arms and legs.
Reason (R): This morphology allows for both reduced metabolic heat production and efficient heat loss due to high surface area weight ratios.

In the light of the above statements, choose the most appropriate answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: A. Both (A) and (R) are correct and (R) is the correct explanation of (A)
Solution:Both Assertion (A) and Reason (R) are correct, and (R) is the correct explanation of (A). Tropically adapted populations often have linear body builds, characterized by low body mass, small trunks, and relatively long arms and legs. This morphology is not accidental; it allows for both reduced metabolic heat production and efficient heat loss due to high surface area-to-weight ratios.

In hot and humid climates, this body shape facilitates cooling and helps maintain the body's core temperature. This understanding of human adaptation to different environmental conditions reveals the intricate ways in which our physical characteristics have evolved in response to specific needs and stresses, highlighting the complexity and adaptability of the human body.