Anthropology 1301 Exam 1 Review

An ethnography is a comprehensive report or study conducted by an anthropologist that focuses on the culture of a particular group or society. It involves detailed observations, interviews, and analysis of various aspects of the culture, such as social norms, beliefs, practices, and traditions. The purpose of an ethnography is to provide a deep understanding of the culture being studied and to present the findings in a systematic and objective manner. Therefore, the statement that an ethnography is the report on the culture that an anthropologist is observing is true.

The correct answer is "relationship of an organism to elements within the environmental sphere." Ecology is the study of the interactions between organisms and their environment, including the relationships between organisms and the abiotic (non-living) factors such as air, water, and soil. It focuses on understanding how organisms adapt and respond to their surroundings, and how they influence and are influenced by the biotic (living) and abiotic components of their ecosystem.

The correct answer is Archaeology, Physical Anthropology, Linguistic Anthropology, and Cultural Anthropology. These are the four main subfields of anthropology, each focusing on a different aspect of human culture and biology. Archaeology studies past human societies through the analysis of material remains. Physical anthropology examines human evolution, variation, and adaptation. Linguistic anthropology investigates the role of language in human societies. Cultural anthropology explores the beliefs, practices, and social structures of different cultures.

Language is a system of cultural knowledge used to generate and interpret speech. It is a tool of communication that allows individuals to express their thoughts, ideas, and emotions. Through language, people can convey meaning, share information, and interact with others. It includes vocabulary, grammar, pronunciation, and other elements that enable effective communication within a particular community or society. Language plays a crucial role in shaping culture, identity, and social interactions.

Osteologists study human skeletal material and teeth. This field of study involves examining and analyzing bones and teeth to understand various aspects of human anatomy, such as age, sex, health, and even cause of death. Osteologists play a crucial role in forensic investigations, archaeological research, and medical science, as they provide valuable insights into human history, evolution, and health.

Culture is a complex and multifaceted concept that encompasses various aspects. It is shared among members of a society, learned through socialization and education, integrated into daily life, and characterized by patterns and symbols. Additionally, culture is not static and gradually changes over time as societies evolve and adapt. Therefore, the answer "All of the above" is appropriate as it encompasses all the different dimensions and characteristics of culture.

When studying a culture, an anthropologist with an etic perspective would analyze it from an outsider's point of view. They would focus on objective observations, looking at the culture as a whole and comparing it to other cultures. This approach allows for a more objective understanding of the culture's practices, beliefs, and values. On the other hand, an emic perspective would involve studying the culture from an insider's point of view, emphasizing subjective experiences and understanding the culture from within. However, in this case, the correct answer is etic, as it refers to the objective perspective of an outsider studying a culture.

Cultural ecology refers to the manner in which people utilize their culture in order to adapt to a specific environment. It involves understanding how cultural practices, beliefs, and traditions are shaped by the natural surroundings and how they enable individuals to thrive and survive in their environment. This concept emphasizes the dynamic interaction between culture and the natural world, highlighting the ways in which human societies have developed strategies and techniques to effectively utilize their cultural knowledge and practices to adapt to various environmental conditions.

St. Thomas Aquinas used the Bible as proof that there were "races" superior to others. He believed that the Bible provided evidence of a hierarchical order among humans, with certain races being closer to God and therefore superior to others. Aquinas interpreted biblical passages to support his belief in racial superiority, using the religious text as a basis for his argument.

The correct answer is "Emic." In anthropology, the terms "emic" and "etic" are used to describe different perspectives in studying cultures. The emic perspective refers to an insider's viewpoint, understanding a culture from within, and focusing on the specific meanings and values that members of that culture attach to their beliefs and behaviors. In this case, the shaman for the tribe would have an emic perspective because they would possess an intimate knowledge and understanding of their own culture's spiritual practices and beliefs.

Participant observation is the main method of study for cultural anthropologists. This method involves immersing oneself in the culture being studied, actively participating in the daily activities of the community, and observing their behavior and interactions. By being present in the field, anthropologists can gain a deep understanding of the culture from an insider's perspective. This method allows for the collection of rich and detailed data, including firsthand experiences and insights, which are essential for studying and analyzing cultural practices, beliefs, and social dynamics.

The statement "Race is a biological proven difference between people" is incorrect. Race is a social construct rather than a biological fact. While there are physical variations among human populations, these differences do not align with traditional racial categories. Genetic studies have shown that there is more genetic variation within racial groups than between them. Therefore, race is not a scientifically valid concept for categorizing human beings.

The correct answer is that evolution eventually has a goal. Social Darwinism is a belief system that applies Darwin's theory of natural selection to human society. It suggests that societies and individuals evolve and progress towards a predetermined goal or ideal state. This belief was often used to justify social inequalities and discrimination, as it claimed that certain groups or races were more evolved or superior to others.

Race is the correct answer because it refers to the belief that the human species is divided into subdivisions identified by biological characteristics. This concept has been used historically to classify and categorize people based on physical traits such as skin color and facial features. The concept of race has been widely debated and criticized as a social construct that does not have a scientific basis.

Hunter-gatherers do not grow food, they rely on hunting and gathering for their sustenance. They gather wild plants, fruits, nuts, and hunt animals for their food. They do not engage in agriculture or farming practices to grow crops. Therefore, the statement "Hunter-Gathers grow some food, but still hunt" is false.

Francis Galton is the correct answer because he was the first to propose the concept of eugenics. Galton, a cousin of Charles Darwin, coined the term "eugenics" in the late 19th century. He believed that by selectively breeding individuals with desirable traits, society could improve the genetic quality of the human population. Galton's ideas had a significant influence on the eugenics movement, which gained popularity in the early 20th century. While eugenics is now widely discredited and considered unethical, it is important to acknowledge Galton's role in its development.

The given answer suggests that the teacher is a classical archaeologist. This means that the teacher specializes in studying and researching ancient civilizations and cultures, particularly those from ancient Greece and Rome. Classical archaeologists focus on excavating and analyzing artifacts, structures, and sites from these time periods to gain insights into the history, art, architecture, and daily life of these civilizations.

Horticulturalists can support a relatively small number of people, typically ranging from 10 to 50 individuals. This is because horticulture, which involves the cultivation of plants for food, requires a significant amount of land, labor, and resources to sustain a community. Unlike modern agriculture methods, horticulture is typically practiced on a smaller scale and may not have the same level of efficiency and productivity. Therefore, horticulturalists can only provide sustenance for a limited number of people within their community.

Cultural Ecology involves the study of how different cultures interact with their environment. This includes understanding the material needs of a culture, such as food, shelter, and resources, as well as the social needs, like social organization and kinship systems. Additionally, Cultural Ecology examines the subsistence strategies employed by different cultures to meet their material needs, such as hunting-gathering, agriculture, or pastoralism. Therefore, the correct answer choices are Material Needs, Social needs, and Subsistence Strategies.