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

Total Questions: 100

81. While interpreting culture, E.B. Tylor's scheme was:

A. reductionistic, as it explained culture in terms of individual
B. paradoxical, as it sought the origin of institutions in the natural thought process
C. anti-intellectualistic, as it did not suppose to be based on reason
D. non-statistical, as it did not entail statistical method
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 1. A and B only
Solution:E.B. Tylor, in his foundational work Primitive Culture (1871), proposed a unilinear evolutionist theory of culture and religion. His interpretation of culture was:
A. Reductionistic: He explained complex cultural phenomena like religion and social institutions in terms of individual mental operations, reducing them to the natural thoughts and behaviors of early humans.
B. Paradoxical: Tylor's approach was paradoxical because he searched for cultural origins in supposedly "rational" thought processes of "primitive" peoples, yet these processes were considered less advanced than those of modern humans.
C and D are not accurate. Tylor was intellectualist, not anti-intellectualist, and though his methods weren't statistical, this aspect was not a defining feature of his theory.
Hence, only A and B accurately capture the core analytical approach of Tylor.

82. Which of the following statements about Secular Trends in growth are correct?

A. Can be studied using cross-sectional designs only
B. Result of better nutrition
C. Result of reduction in the impact of disease during infancy and childhood
D. Its evidence emerged from migration studies
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 3. B, C and D only
Solution:Secular trends in growth refer to long-term generational changes in physical growth patterns, such as increases in height and earlier puberty onset. These trends are attributed to:
B. Better nutrition: Improved food quantity and quality have resulted in enhanced growth over generations.
C. Reduction in disease impact: Vaccinations, hygiene, and health care have reduced early childhood illness and mortality, improving developmental outcomes.
D. Migration studies: Migration studies have provided empirical evidence of secular trends, showing how children of migrants often grow taller and healthier than their parents due to better environmental conditions.
 A.  Cross-sectional design only is incorrect; longitudinal and cross-sectional studies both contribute to understanding secular trends.

83. Arrange the following bones in human as per their location (from top to bottom)

A. Tarsus bone
B. Os-innominatum
C. Lumber vertebra
D. Sternum
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 3. D, C, B, A
Solution:This question asks for the anatomical order of bones from top (cranial) to bottom (feet):
D. Sternum: Located in the thoracic region (chest), connected to the ribs.
C. Lumbar vertebra: Lower part of the vertebral column, just below the thoracic vertebrae.
B. Os innominatum (hip bone): Part of the pelvic girdle, located below the spine.
A. Tarsus bone: Bones of the ankle and foot, located at the lowest point in this list. Thus, the correct top-to-bottom sequence is: Sternum → Lumbar Vertebra → Os innominatum → Tarsus, which matches Option 3.

84. Match the LIST-I with LIST-II.

LIST-I (Mode of Inheritance)LIST-II (Examples)
A. Autosomal dominantI. Hemophilia
B. Autosomal recessiveII. Vitamin D-resistant rickets
C. X-linked dominantIII. Huntington disease
D. X-linked recessiveIV. Sickle cell disease

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 1. A-III, B-IV, C-II, D-I
Solution:This question tests knowledge of modes of genetic inheritance and associated diseases:
A. Autosomal dominant - III. Huntington disease: A single mutated allele is enough to cause the disease; symptoms typically manifest in adulthood.
B. Autosomal recessive - IV. Sickle cell disease: Requires two copies of the defective gene; common in populations with historical malaria exposure.
C. X-linked dominant - II. Vitamin D-resistant rickets: The gene is on the X chromosome, and one copy is sufficient to affect both males and females (more severely in males).
D. X-linked recessive - I. Hemophilia: Affects mostly males, while females are typically carriers; caused by mutations on the X chromosome. Hence, the correct match is Option 1.

85. Arrange father Schmidt's list of Kreise (cricle) from earlier to later:

A. Patrilineal totemic hunters circle
B. Free patrilineal circle
C. Arctic circle
D. Matrilineal village dwelling horticulture circle
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 2. C, A, D, B
Solution:Father Wilhelm Schmidt, a cultural evolutionist and ethnologist, proposed a theory of cultural development through a series of "Kreise" or cultural circles based on linguistic and ethnological studies. His sequence was meant to trace the evolution of early human societies based on kinship, subsistence, and social organization.
The correct chronological sequence from earlier to later is:
C. Arctic Circle: Represents the earliest and most primitive stage in Schmidt's theory, characterized by small hunting and gathering groups with simple technology and minimal social complexity, such as the Inuit.
A. Patrilineal Totemic Hunters Circle: A more complex cultural phase involving totemic beliefs and patrilineal descent, such as those found in Australian Aboriginal societies.
D. Matrilineal Village Dwelling Horticulture Circle: Cultures practicing horticulture with matrilineal kinship systems and semipermanent village settlements. This reflects higher level of social and economic development.
B. Free Patrilineal Circle: A more advanced phase with societies organized around patrilineal descent but with increased political and social complexity. This includes tribal systems with leadership and stratification.
Therefore, the accurate evolutionary order of Schmidt's circles is: Arctic → Patrilineal Totemic → Matrilineal Horticulture → Free Patrilineal Correct option: 2.

86. The characteristics chalcolithic cultural remains were unearthed at:

Correct Answer: 1. Navdatoli
Solution:Navdatoli, located on the banks of the Narmada River in Madhya Pradesh, is one of the most significant Chalcolithic sites in India. Excavations have revealed mud houses, microliths, black-and-red ware pottery, and copper tools, which are typical features of the Chalcolithic period (c. 2,000-700 ВCE).

Navdatoli represents the Malwa çulture, known for its early farming lifestyle and use of metal tools (copper), a hallmark of Chalcolithic societies. Burzahom and Brahmagiri are associated with Neolithic and Megalithic phases, while Hunsgi is an Early Stone Age site.

87. Match the LIST-I with LIST-II.

LIST-ILIST-II
A. Chromosome theoryI. 1956
B. Denver ClassificationII. 1959
C. Paris NomenclaturesIII. 1903
D. Human Chromosome numbers confirmationIV. 1971

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 3. A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I
Solution:A. Chromosome Theory - III. 1903: Proposed by Walter Sutton and Theodor Boveri, the Chromosome Theory of Inheritance in 1903 stated that genes are located on chromosomes, forming the basis for modern genetics.
B. Denver Classification - II. 1959: The Denver system was the first standard classification of human chromosomes into groups (A-G) based on size and centromere position.
C. Paris Nomenclature – IV. 1971: Developed to provide internationally accepted rules for chromosome banding patterns using staining techniques.
D. Human Chromosome Number Confirmation - I. 1956: In 1956, Tjio and Levan conclusively demonstrated that humans have 46 chromosomes, correcting earlier errors (which had listed 48). Hence, the correct chronological pairing is: A-III, B-II, C-IV, D-I.

88. Arrange the following fossils according to their brain size (increasing order).

A. Homo erectus
B. Neanderthals
C. Homo habilis
D. Archaic Homo sapiens
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 2. C, A, D, B
Solution:Arrange the fossils in increasing order of cranial capacity (brain size):
C. Homo habilis: ~ 510-600 сc
A. Homo erectus: ~750-1250 cс
D. Archaic Homo sapiens: ~ 1100-1300 cс
B. Neanderthals: ~ 1200-1750 cc (often larger than modern Homo sapiens)
This gives the correct increasing order: Homo habilis → Homo erectus Archaic Homo sapiens→ Neanderthals
Hence, Option 2 is correct: C, A, D, B.

89. Trochlear notch is present in ...... bone.

Correct Answer: 3. Ulna
Solution:The trochlear notch is a prominent semilunar depression found in the proximal end of the ulna (a forearm bone). It articulates with the trochlea of the humerus, forming part of the elbow joint, and allows for hinge-like movement (flexion and extension of the arm). The femur is in the thigh, radius is the lateral forearm bone (does not have trochlear notch), and fibula is in the leg, none of which possess this specific structure. So, the correct answer is Ulna = Option 3.

90. The Upper Villafranchian is a transitionary geological time period between:

Correct Answer: 2. Pliocene and Pleistocene
Solution:The Upper Villafranchian represents the latest phase of the Villafranchian faunal stage, marking a transition between the Pliocene and Pleistocene epochs. It is primarily used in European geochronology and paleontology to date fossil assemblages and environmental shifts.

This transition (approx. 2.5 to 1.0 million years ago) witnessed the appearance of early Homo species and cooling global climates, indicating the onset of,the Pleistocene glaciations. Therefore, the correct geological transition is: Pliocene → Pleistocene = Option 2.