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

Total Questions: 100

1. Which of the following cervical vertebra is characterized by the presence of "dens" (odontoid process)?

Correct Answer: 2. Second Cervical
Solution:The second cervical vertebra, known as the axis (C2), has a unique upward projection called the dens or odontoid process.

This structure fits into the atlas (C1) and allows rotation of the head from side to side.

The dens forms the atlanto-axial joint, which accounts for about 50% of neck rotation. It is held in place by the transverse ligament to prevent spinal cord injury.

No other cervical vertebra, including C1, С3, or C7, has a dens.

2. The name of the journal published by the Association for Feminist Anthropology is:

Correct Answer: 1 & 2
Solution:Voices was the official annual publication of the Association for Feminist Anthropology (AFA) until around 2018-2019, after which it ceased regular issues Since 2020, the AFA has published Feminist Anthropology as its peer reviewed journal twice yearly
Explanation:
• Voices (Option 1) was AFA's former publication, produced annually and formally discontinued in 2018 or early 2019.
• Feminist Anthropology (Option 2) is the current official journal, relaunched in May 2020, peer-reviewed and published biannually
Therefore the correct answer includes both options 1 and 2.

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

LIST-I (Names of Blood Groups)LIST-II (Gene Name)
A. HI. GYPA
B. MNSII. DARC
C. DuffyIII. RHD
D. RhIV. FUTI

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 1. A-IV, B-I, C, II-D-III
Solution:• H blood group is controlled by the (IV) FUT1 gene, which forms the H antigen, a base for A and B antigens.
• MNS blood group is linked to the (I) GYPA gene, coding for glycophorin A on red blood cells.
• Duffy group is determined by the (II) DARC gene, which also acts as a receptor for malaria parasites.
• Rh group is governed by the (III) RHD gene, responsible for producing the RhD protein (important in Rh+/- status).

4. The Dilution Method for measuring PTC tasting sensitivity was given by:

Correct Answer: 2. Harris and Kalmus
Solution:Harris and Kalmus developed the Dilution Method in 1949 to measure PTC tasting sensitivity.
• It used gradually diluted PTC solutions to identify the lowest concentration a person could taste.
This method provided scientific evidence of Mendelian inheritance in taste perception and helped classify people as tasters or non-tasters.
It became foundational in genetic and population studies related to taste.

5. Protohistoric bar bits of Iron and diadems in urn burial are discovered at:

Correct Answer: 3. Adichanallur
Solution:Adichanallur, in Tamil Nadu, is a significant Iron Age site where archaeologists discovered urn burials, iron bar bits, and gold diadems. The site is dated to around 1000-600 ВСЕ, indicating an advanced, stratified society. Findings include bronze items, weapons, and skeletal remains, revealing early burial rituals and metallurgy. It is considered one of the earliest examples of protohistoric culture in South India.

6. The concept of Normal distribution was given by

Correct Answer: 3. K.F. Gauss
Solution:Carl Friedrich Gauss introduced the concept of Normal distribution, also known as the Gaussian distribution. He used it in the context of error analysis in astronomy.

The normal distribution is a bell-shaped curve representing how traits or errors are distributed symmetrically in populations. It is a foundational concept in probability, statistics, and genetics.

7. Essentialism is characterised through:

A. Modernist Ontology
B. Reification
C. Cultural relativism
D. Biologism
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 3. B and D only
Solution:Essentialism emphasizes fixed, unchanging traits in individuals or groups, often ignoring cultural or social influences. It involves (B) reification (treating abstract ideas like race or gender as natural) and (D) biologism (linking identity to biology or genetics). It stands in contrast to theories like cultural relativism, which view identities as socially constructed.

Essentialism is common in discussions of identity politics and critiques of deterministic thinking.

8. Arrange the following works in the chronological order of their first publication from the earliest to latest:

A. Golden Bough, by James Frazer
B. Ancient Law, by Henry Maine
C. Ancient Society, by L.H. Morgan
D. Primitive Culture, by E.B. Tylor
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 4. B, D, C, A
Solution:Chronologically:
B. Ancient Law by Henry Maine - 1861
D. Primitive Culture by E.B. Tylor - 1871
C. Ancient Society by L.H. Morgan - 1877
A. The Golden Bough by James Frazer - 1890: These works laid the foundation of classical anthropological theory, dealing with law, culture, kinship, and religion.

9. Eskimo terminology, in Murdock's classification is one in which:

Correct Answer: 1. Siblings are distinguished from cousins and no distinction is made between parallel and cross-cousins
Solution:Siblings are distinguished from cousins and no distinction is made between parallel and cross-cousins
• In Eskimo kinship terminology, terms for nuclear family (mother, father, brother, sister) are distinct.
• All cousins-whether parallel or cross-are grouped under the same term.
• It emphasizes the nuclear family and is used in Euro-American societies.
• This system simplifies kin categories and reflects social structure focused on immediate family.

10. Speech Act in which utterance is equal to an action is called as:

Correct Answer: 3. Illocutionary
Solution:In Speech Act Theory by J.L. Austin, an illocutionary act is where speaking performs an action.
• Examples include saying "I promise," "I declare," or "I apologize," where the act is done by uttering the words.
• Illocutionary acts contrast with locutionary (literal meaning) and perlocutionary (effect on the listener).
• These acts are key in understanding how language functions in social contexts.