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

Total Questions: 100

41. The Himalayan lacustrine units of Tatrot and Pinjaur belong to:

Correct Answer: 2. Pleistocene
Solution:The Tatrot and Pinjaur Formations are Himalayan lacustrine units that date to the Pleistocene epoch.
• These formations are rich in vertebrate fossils and help reconstruct Quaternary environmental history.
• They are significant for understanding climatic changes and sedimentation patterns in the Siwalik region. Pleistocene spans from ~2.58 million to 11,700 years ago.

42. Eidos, according to Gregory Bateson refers to a distinctive:

Correct Answer: 2. Cognitive pattern in a culture
Solution:According to Gregory Bateson, Eidos refers to the cognitive structure or mental pattern underlying a culture.
• It reflects how people think, perceive, and process information within their cultural context.
• Bateson used this concept in his work on systems theory and anthropology.
• Eidos contrasts with ethos, which refers to emotional patterns.

43. The time-honored definition of natural selection as "survival of the fittest," was a phrase coined by social theorist:

Correct Answer: 3. Herbert Spencer
Solution:The phrase "survival of the fittest" was coined by Herbert Spencer, a social theorist.

Darwin later adopted this phrase in the 5th edition of On the Origin of Species. Spencer applied it to social evolution, equating societal progress with natural competition.

The term became central to Social Darwinism, though Darwin himself focused more on natural selection.

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

LIST-I (Fossils)LIST-II (Time Period)
A. Australopithecus africanusI. 2.3-1.2 MYA
B. Australopithecus sedibaII. 2.7-2.5 MYA
C. Australopithecus aethiopicusIII. 1.97-1.78 MYA
D. Australopithecus boiseiIV. 3.5-<2.0 MYA

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 4. A-IV, B-III, C-II, D-I
Solution:• Australopithecus africanus: 3.5 to <2.0 MYA (A-IV).
• Australopithecus sediba: 1.97-1.78 MYA (B-III).
• Australopithecus aethiopicus: 2.7-2.5 MYA (C-II).
• Australopithecus boisei: 2.3-1.2 MYA (D-I). These time frames are based on fossil dating techniques and paleoanthropological consensus.

45. Next Generation Sequencing is also known as:

A. Infinite Sequencing
B. Parallel Sequencing
C. Sanger Sequencing
D. Sequencing by Synthesis
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 4. B and D only
Solution:• Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) is also referred to as (B) Parallel Sequencing and (D) Sequencing by Synthesis.
• It allows simultaneous sequencing of millions of DNA fragments, increasing speed and reducing cost.
• Unlike traditional Sanger sequencing, NGS is much more scalable and automated.
• It is widely used in genomics, diagnostics, and evolutionary studies.

46. The Article 371-C of the Constitution of India refers to the scheduled tribes belonging to the state of:

Correct Answer: 3. Manipur
Solution:Article 371-C of the Indian Constitution provides special provisions for the state of Manipur, specifically for its Scheduled Tribes. It allows for the formation of a Hill Areas Committee within the legislative assembly.

This provision is meant to ensure political safeguards for tribal populations in Manipur's hill districts.

It recognizes the socio-political distinctiveness of the tribal communities.

47. Symmetric exchange include:

A. Generalised Exchange
B. Patrilateral Cross-Cousin marriages
C. Restricted Exachange
D. More social cohesion according to Levi Strauss
E. Less social cohesion according to Levi Strauss
Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

Correct Answer: 4. C and E only
Solution:Symmetric exchange involves Restricted exchange where two groups exchange women directly, typically cross-cousins.

According to Claude Lévi-Strauss, symmetric exchange often leads to less social cohesion compared to generalized exchange.

Generalized exchange (A) promotes broader alliances, not part of symmetric exchange. Hence, only C (Restricted exchange) and E (less cohesion) are correct.

48. The thin, slender and elongated blades are produced by employing:

Correct Answer: 3. Fluted Core Technique
Solution:The Fluted core technique is used to produce thin, elongated blades with parallel edges.

It is characteristic of Upper Palaeolithic toolmaking, where long blades were struck from specially prepared cores.

This technique allowed greater efficiency and standardization in stone tool production. It differs from Levalloisian and tortoise core techniques, which are more typical of Middle Palaeolithic.

49. A fascinating example of the influence of cultural practices on the spread of an infectious disease involves a condition known as Kuru is mostly caused due to:

Correct Answer: 1. Ritual cannibalism directed by women
Solution:Kuru was a neurodegenerative prion disease found among the Fore people of Papua New Guinea.
• It spread primarily through ritual cannibalism, especially by women and children, who consumed the brains of deceased relatives.
• This cultural practice led to the transmission of prions, resulting in fatal brain damage.
• Once the practice was banned, Kuru cases sharply declined.

50. The Prakash, an Iron Age site is located in the valley of which river:

Correct Answer: 2. Tapti
Solution:The Prakash Iron Age archaeological site is located in the Tapti river valley, Maharashtra.
• Excavations at Prakash have revealed Iron Age habitation, with iron tools, pottery, and evidence of early agriculture.
• The site provides insights into the early iron-using communities in western India.
• It is significant in understanding the transition from Chalcolithic to Iron Age cultures.