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

Total Questions: 100

21. Involution in ecological anthropology is characterized by a situation of:

Correct Answer: 2. Socio-economic stagnation accompanied by cultural elaboration
Solution:In ecological anthropology, involution refers to a process where cultural practices become more complex but without economic progress. This concept was notably applied by Clifford Geertz in his study of Indonesian agriculture. Despite intensive labor and cultural elaboration in farming techniques, productivity remained stagnant.

It illustrates how energy is spent on refining existing systems without major socio-economic transformation.

22. Arrange the following regions of vertebral column from cranial to caudal position:

A. Lumber
B. Sacrum
C. Cervical
D. Thoracic
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 2. C, D, A, B
Solution:The vertebral column is arranged from top to bottom as follows:
1. Cervical (C) - neck region (7 vertebrae),
2. Thoracic (D) - chest area (12 vertebrae),
3. Lumbar (A) - lower back (5 vertebrae),
4. Sacrum (B) - fused base bones.
This cranial to caudal order reflects the anatomical sequence from head to tail.

23. Match the LIST-I with LIST-IІ.

LIST-ILIST-II
A. Half Life Period of Carbon 14I. 14.05 billion Years
B. Half Life Period of PotassiumII. 1.3 billion ± 40 million years
C. Half Life Period of ThoriumIII. 4.5 billion years
D. Half-Life Period of UraniumIV. 5568 ± 30 years

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 1. A-IV, B-II, C-I, D-III
Solution:• Carbon-14 half-life: 5568 ± 30 years (A-IV).
• Potassium-40 half-life: 1.3 billion ± 40 million years (B-II).
• Thorium-232 half-life: 14.05 billion years (C-I).
• Uranium-238 half-life: 4.5 billion years (D-III). These values are used in radiometric dating in archaeology and geology.

24. Anthropologically speaking, the Melanesian Big Man would be characterized as a:

Correct Answer: 1. Tribal Leader
Solution:The Melanesian Big Man is best understood as a tribal leader without inherited status. His authority is based on personal achievements, persuasion, and generosity. He gains followers through exchanges and favors, not coercion or kinship-based power. This leadership form is typical of segmentary tribal societies.

25. According to Lee and DeVore, The San of Kalahari when compared to their farmer and horticultural neighbours, were:

A. Working for more hours
B. Working for less hours
C. Better nourished
D. Malnourished
the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 4. B and C only
Solution:According to Lee and DeVore, the San (Bushmen) of the Kalahari worked fewer hours than neighboring farmers. Despite their foraging lifestyle, they were better nourished than many agricultural communities. Their diet was diverse and sustainable, supporting good health with less labor. This challenges assumptions that foraging is less efficient than farming.

26. Arrange the PVTG's in term of their geographical location from North to South

A. Sahariya
B. Jenu Kuruba
C. Rajjis
D. Kadar
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 4. C, A, B, D
Solution:C, A, B, D
• Rajjis (C) are located in Uttarakhand, the northernmost group among these.
• Sahariya (A) are found in Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh, further south.
• Jenu Kuruba (B) reside in Karnataka, in southern India.
• Kadar (D) are located in Kerala and Tamil Nadu, the southernmost region. Thus, the correct north-to-south order is Rajjis → Sahariya → Jenu Kuruba → Kadar.

27. Who among the following are known for their work on Matrifocal Family?

A. R. Smith
B. M. Fortes
C. J. Goody
D. C. Stack
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 2. A and D only
Solution:A and D only
• (A) R. Smith and (D) Carol Stack are known for their work on matrifocal families.
• Carol Stack's book "All Our Kin" studied African-American families with matrifocal patterns.
• Matrifocality involves households where women are central figures without male dominance.
• Fortes and Goody focused more on descent and lineage than matrifocality.

28. Kula involves:

A. Exchange of Ceremonial valuables only
B. Exchange of both Ceremonial valuables and Utiliterian Goods
C. Counterclockwise movement of mwals and Clockwise circulation of bagi
D. Clockwise movement of mwals and Counterclockwise circulation of bagi Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 2. B and C only
Solution:B and C only
• Kula exchange involves (B) both ceremonial and utilitarian goods, not just valuables.
• It includes mwali (armbands) moving (C) counterclockwise and bagi (necklaces) moving clockwise among islands. This system is practiced among Trobriand Islanders and fosters alliances and status.
• It is a classic case of reciprocal gift exchange studied by Bronislaw Malinowski.

29. Choose the correct combination from the following statements with respect to thrifty genotype:

A. It is identical to thrifty phenotype
B. It is very efficient at storing food in the body in the form of fat
C. It was introduced by James Neel
D. It is not related to obesity and diabetes
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 1. В, C only
Solution:B, C only.
• The thrifty genotype hypothesis was introduced by James Neel in 1962.
• It suggests that certain populations evolved genes that promote efficient fat storage during feast-famine cycles.
• This genotype may increase susceptibility to obesity and Type 2 diabetes in modern lifestyles.
• It is not the same as thrifty phenotype, which involves prenatal factors.

30. An astrologer would most likely be performing the function of a:

Correct Answer: 2. Diviner
Solution:An astrologer functions as a diviner, interpreting signs (like celestial bodies) to predict the future or offer guidance.
Unlike shamans or priests, diviners often rely on specialized techniques like astrology, numerology, or casting lots.

Their role is advisory, focused on diagnosing problems or foretelling events. This is common in both traditional and modern societies.