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Anthropology Exam 1 Questions with Correct Answers
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Anthropology Exam 1 Questions with Correct Answers
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Anthropology Exam 1 Questions withCorrect Answers
Humans are one the most adapted organisms on this planet. This is because in addition
to biological adaptations that have occurred over millions of years, we also utilize
cultural adaptations to cope with a variety of environmental stresses that define our
ecological surroundings. T or F - Answer-True.
We has humans can adapt to our surroundings through both biological and cultural
means. The use of a complex suite of cultural adaptations distinguishes us (but not
necessarily makes us better!) from other organisms. Adaptations do not always lead to
positive outcomes. This combination of biological and cultural adaptations emphasizes
to the biocultural approach used by anthropologists.
In anthropology, our complex ability to communicate is grounded in the use of arbitrary
symbols (sounds, written language, gestures, etc.) to impart meaning, which can then
be interpreted by people as members of different cultures and societies. T or F -
Answer-True.
Communication is the use of arbitrary symbols and humans assign cultural meaning to
these symbols. They have no inherent meaning otherwise. (p. 38)
In 1758 Carl Linnaeus was among the first to define and describe four races using his
system of taxonomic system. Using the descriptions provided in the book, match the
subspecies he created.
Homo sapiens europaeus
Homo sapiens asiaticus
Homo sapiens americanus
Homo sapiens afer - Answer-Homo sapiens europaeus- "white Europeans"
Homo sapiens asiaticus- "yellow Asians"
Homo sapiens americanus-"red Americans"(NativeAmericans)
Homo sapiens afer- "black Africans"
The classification of races, and their biased behavioral descriptions in favor of "white
Europeans", established the false perception that culture and biology are linked. In fact,
differences in the behavior are the result of culture and cultural upbringing... not biology.
(p. 25-26)
As discussed in lecture, all species we rely on the process of biological and cultural
evolution in order to survive (adapt) and Darwin's theory of natural selection remains the
best explanation of a mechanism for evolution. So, why is there an opposition to
evolution by many individuals? - Answer-All of the above, and then some. These ideas
lead individuals to misunderstand the process of evolution as ongoing and critical as the
way all species (animal, plant, fungus, bacteria, viruses) to adapt to environmental
stresses.
,t is thought to be degrading to be compared to apes and monkeys, yet we are all part of
the animal kingdom.
Science and religion can co-exist. The belief in a higher being doesn't exclude the
possibility of biological evolution and acknowledgment of evolutionary processes doesn't
preclude or prevent the existence of a higher being. Not all religions reject human
evolution. Today, the Catholic Church acknowledges the evolutionary processes do
occur, but that the human soul is a divine creation and no subject to evolutionary
processes.
As noted in your reading, who first used the term "survival of the fittest"? - Answer-
Herbert Spencer
Spencer first used the term "survival of the fittest" before Darwin. It did not mean the
same thing to Spencer and Darwin. With Darwin, fitness is related to reproductive
success and those individuals that are most successful in producing fertile offspring.
With Spencer, evolution favored the physically strong, the more intellectual, and those
with financial success. Those were the fittest to Spencer. Spencer believed that
evolution was progressive that led to perfect civilized (Western) societies. (p. 12)
Charles Darwin independently developed the science of evolution. He had no influence
from previous scholars. T or F - Answer-False
The evolution concept - the fact that evolution (biological change) has occurred and is
occurring - was scientifically discovered well before his time. What Darwin did contribute
to evolutionary science was his (along with Alfred Wallace) theory of the mechanisms of
evolution or how evolution works. He called this the process of Natural Selection.
A scientific theory is defined as a suggested but unverified explanation for observed
phenomenon.
T or F - Answer-False
A hypothesis is defined as a suggested but unverified explanation for observed
phenomenon. A hypothesis is a provisional explanation of a phenomenon that can be
tested for validity using the scientific method. A theory in social science is a set of tested
hypotheses or ideas formulated to explain something and suggest patterns,
connections, and relationships. A theory yields new information about nature to answer
to a set of pre-existing problems.
Many people assume that evolution is linear, which implies progress toward betterment
or perfection. However, the peppered moth example demonstrates that - Answer-
evolution is non-directional and not about progress from a state of imperfection toward a
perfect species.
, Evolution through natural selection is direction-less or non-directional. As the
environment changes, so does the direction of biological change. (p. 9)
Like our good Hollywood friend, Dr. Indiana Jones, most archaeologists are primarily
interested in collecting artifacts (material culture). T or F - Answer-False
Archaeologists are not only interested in collecting artifacts, but rather in the
examination of artifacts within a broader context to "infer and understand human
behavior" and evaluate questions such as urbanization, warfare, artistry, agricultural
development, the collapse of civilizations, and environmental adaptation. (p. 36-37)
Match the correct person with the correct publication, as discussed in your reading.
Question Match choices
Charles Lyell A. System of Nature
Charles Darwin B. Mein Kampf
Carl Linnaeus C. Principles of Geology
Adolf Hitler D. Origin of Species - Answer-Question Selected Match
Charles Lyell C. Principles of Geology
Charles Darwin D. Origin of Species
Carl Linnaeus . A. System of Nature
Adolf Hitler . B. Mein Kampf
Biological Anthropology - Answer-Concerned with the biological and behavioral
characteristics of human beings and our closest relatives, the non-human primates and
their ancestors.
Anthropological archaeology - Answer-The systematic study of artifacts (technology and
material culture) and ecofacts as a means of reconstructing past lifeways.
Linguistic anthropology - Answer-The study of structure, history, and social aspects of
human language
Cultural Anthropology - Answer-A focus on human sociocultural adaptations of
observable behavior.
Eugenics is rooted in a fear of a weakening civilized society with the dilution (mixing) of
unfit and inferior members. It's a program of "race improvement" through controlled
reproduction and sterilization of "unfit" individuals so they cannot breed and thus "mix"
with more civilized members.
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