Anthropology Key Term Questions

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  • 1/52 Questions

    The transformation of the first chiefdoms into the first city-states in Mesopotamia by about 3500 B.C. were based on

    • Elite control of mass production and long-distance trade, conquest, war, and unequal access to landed wealth
    • Peaceful focus on temple ritual
    • Independent village women growing their own flax, making line, and weaving in the home
    • Taxation of Neolithic villages who hunted wild gazelle and harvested wild rye
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About This Quiz

There is a wide variety of words that are common in anthropology class, if one is not keen they may get confused by some of them. The quiz below has a list of terms commonly used in anthropology and if you have been attentive in class you should be able to get the highest score. Give it a shot!

Anthropology Key Term Questions - Quiz

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  • 2. 

    A transfer of valuables between male heads of families to formalize marriages is called

    Explanation
    A transfer of valuables between male heads of families to formalize marriages is called dowry. This practice is historically prevalent in many cultures and is often seen as a way to provide financial security for the bride in her new household. However, dowry has also been associated with negative consequences such as gender inequality, domestic violence, and financial burden on the bride's family.

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  • 3. 

    What is cultural relativism?

    • It is a cultural universal, based upon the human capacity to use symbols

    • It is the argument that behaviour of a particular culture should not be judged by the standards of another culture

    • It is a cultural particular, based upon the interrelatedness of humans

    • Is it the opposite of participant observation

    • It is the same thing as ethnocentrism, but is applies only to family structure

    Correct Answer
    A. It is the argument that behaviour of a particular culture should not be judged by the standards of another culture
    Explanation
    Cultural relativism is the belief that the behavior and customs of a particular culture should not be judged or evaluated based on the standards of another culture. This perspective recognizes that different cultures have their own unique values, beliefs, and practices, and that it is important to understand and respect these differences rather than imposing one's own cultural norms. Cultural relativism promotes cultural diversity and encourages individuals to approach other cultures with an open mind and without ethnocentric biases.

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  • 4. 

    The multi-dimensional set of aboriginal beliefs about the cosmos is called

    Correct Answer
    The Dreaming
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "The Dreaming." The Dreaming refers to the multi-dimensional set of aboriginal beliefs about the cosmos. It is a complex concept that encompasses creation stories, ancestral beings, and the spiritual connection between humans and the natural world. The Dreaming is considered a fundamental aspect of Aboriginal culture and provides a framework for understanding the world and one's place in it. It is a rich and diverse belief system that shapes Aboriginal identity, spirituality, and relationships with the land and community.

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  • 5. 

    The Inca ruler resembled the Hawaiian king in that both:

    • Were indistinguishable from the common people

    • Were sacred kings but lacked secular power

    • Headed royal lineages, were treated like gods, and wielded significant power

    • Had great secular power, but no supernatural support

    Correct Answer
    A. Headed royal lineages, were treated like gods, and wielded significant power
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that both the Inca ruler and the Hawaiian king headed royal lineages, were treated like gods, and wielded significant power. This means that they both came from a royal lineage, were considered divine or god-like figures, and held considerable authority and influence.

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  • 6. 

    1. Linguistic relativity is the idea that:

    • A) The structure of a language affects the ways in which its speakers are able to conceptualize their world

    • B) Language and its structures limit and determine human knowledge or thought.

    • C) There are certain common patterns similar to all languages, therefore any idea can be expressed in any language

    Correct Answer
    A. A) The structure of a language affects the ways in which its speakers are able to conceptualize their world
    Explanation
    The correct answer, option a), suggests that the structure of a language has an impact on how its speakers perceive and understand the world around them. This means that the way a language is structured influences the way its speakers think, conceptualize ideas, and interpret their experiences. It implies that different languages may have different ways of expressing and understanding certain concepts, leading to variations in cultural perspectives and cognitive processes.

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  • 7. 

    The tribal world is characterized by

    • A. unprecedented increase in global population and consumption

    • Population growth and intensive food production

    • C. tendency toward equilibrium of population and resource consumption

    • Consumption based market

    Correct Answer
    A. C. tendency toward equilibrium of population and resource consumption
    Explanation
    The correct answer is c. tendency toward equilibrium of population and resource consumption. In tribal societies, there is often a balance between population growth and resource consumption. This is because tribal communities typically have a deep understanding of their local environment and the limits of its resources. They have developed sustainable practices that allow them to live in harmony with their surroundings, ensuring that their population does not exceed the available resources. This equilibrium helps to maintain the stability and resilience of the tribal world.

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  • 8. 

    The basic Aboriginal material inventory includes:

    • Bow, pottery, and fire

    • Blowgun, baskets, and fire

    • Digging stick, spear, and fire

    • Spear, bronze axe, and fire

    • Pottery, blade, and fire

    Correct Answer
    A. Digging stick, spear, and fire
    Explanation
    The basic Aboriginal material inventory includes a digging stick, spear, and fire. These items were essential tools and resources for Aboriginal people. The digging stick was used for farming and gathering food, while the spear was used for hunting and fishing. Fire was a crucial element for cooking, warmth, and protection. These three items represent the fundamental tools and resources that Aboriginal people relied on for their daily survival and livelihood.

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  • 9. 

    In African cattle societies with an ideology of patrilineal descent

    • No women are allowed to touch cattle

    • B) Grandmothers do all the miling, but have no rights in cattle

    • Only men own and have rights in cattle

    • D) Both men and women hold diverse, overlapping rights over animals

    Correct Answer
    A. Only men own and have rights in cattle
    Explanation
    In African cattle societies with an ideology of patrilineal descent, the correct answer is that only men own and have rights in cattle. This means that women are not allowed to touch cattle and grandmothers, although they may do all the milking, have no rights in cattle. This suggests that ownership and rights over cattle are exclusively reserved for men in these societies, indicating a patriarchal system where men hold power and control over the cattle resources.

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  • 10. 

    Exogamy stands for

    • A. a group of twenty-five to fifty people who camp and forage together

    • B. a cultural preference for a newly married couple to live near the husband’s parents or relatives

    • Marriage outside a culturally defined group

    • Marriage within a specified group

    Correct Answer
    A. Marriage outside a culturally defined group
    Explanation
    Exogamy refers to the practice of marrying outside of one's own culturally defined group. This means that individuals are encouraged or expected to marry someone from a different cultural background, ethnicity, or social group. This practice promotes diversity and the exchange of ideas and traditions between different groups. It can also help to prevent inbreeding and strengthen social ties between different communities.

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  • 11. 

    Workers in the area of planned culture change have noted that the most important stimulant or motivator of change is:

    • Desire for economic gain

    • Appeals to nationalism

    • Competition

    • Cultural ethnocentrism

    • Population growth

    Correct Answer
    A. Desire for economic gain
    Explanation
    The desire for economic gain is the most important stimulant or motivator of change in the area of planned culture change. This is because individuals are often driven by the prospect of improving their financial situation and achieving economic prosperity. The pursuit of economic gain can incentivize people to embrace and adapt to new cultural practices, technologies, and systems that can lead to economic growth and improved living standards. Economic gain provides individuals with a tangible and personal benefit, making it a powerful motivator for change.

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  • 12. 

    Give the term which relates to this state. "Cultural meanings derived from inside a given culture and presumed to be unique to that culture".

    Correct Answer
    Emic
    Explanation
    The term "Emic" refers to cultural meanings that are derived from within a specific culture and are believed to be unique to that culture. It focuses on understanding a culture from the perspective of its members, taking into account their beliefs, values, and practices. This term is used in anthropology and sociology to differentiate from the concept of "Etic," which refers to an outsider's perspective on a culture.

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  • 13. 

    According to Chagnon, Yanomamo men fight:

    • Because aggressive behaviour increases the reproductive success of individual men

    • Because of protein deficiencies

    • Because the recent introduction of bananas and plantains lead to a population explosion

    • Because of the universal innate human propensity for violence

    Correct Answer
    A. Because aggressive behaviour increases the reproductive success of individual men
    Explanation
    According to Chagnon, Yanomamo men fight because aggressive behavior increases their reproductive success. This means that men who engage in aggressive behavior are more likely to have more children and pass on their genes to the next generation. This could be due to factors such as gaining access to more resources, attracting more mates, or establishing dominance within the community. Ultimately, the aggressive behavior is seen as advantageous in terms of reproductive success, which may explain why Yanomamo men engage in fights.

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  • 14. 

    A group of aboriginal people who camp and forage together are called

    • A band

    • A clan

    • A tribe

    • A lineage

    Correct Answer
    A. A band
    Explanation
    A group of aboriginal people who camp and forage together are called a band. This term is commonly used to refer to small, mobile groups of indigenous people who live together and rely on hunting, gathering, and fishing for their sustenance. Bands are typically composed of extended family members and have a fluid social structure, with leadership roles often rotating among members. This term is often used specifically in reference to certain indigenous groups in North America.

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  • 15. 

    Worldwide, the average number of people in foraging bands varies around:

    • 5

    • 50

    • 100

    • 500

    • 70

    Correct Answer
    A. 50
    Explanation
    The average number of people in foraging bands varies around 50 worldwide. This suggests that in different regions and cultures, foraging bands tend to consist of approximately 50 individuals on average.

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  • 16. 

    What component of cultural anthropology is comparative and focused on building upon  our understanding of  how cultural systems work? 

    • Ethnography

    • Data collection

    • Ethnology

    • Fieldwork

    • Data entry

    Correct Answer
    A. Ethnology
    Explanation
    Ethnology is the component of cultural anthropology that is comparative and focused on building upon our understanding of how cultural systems work. It involves the study and analysis of different cultures and societies, comparing their similarities and differences to gain insights into the functioning of cultural systems. Ethnologists often conduct research through fieldwork and data collection, using ethnographic methods to gather information about specific cultural groups. By examining various cultural systems, ethnology aims to contribute to the broader understanding of human culture and society.

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  • 17. 

    What is Ethnography?

    • The study of biological adaptability

    • The fieldwork aspect of cultural anthropology

    • The study of animal behaviour

    • The comparative component of cultural anthropology

    • The generalising aspect of cultural anthropology

    Correct Answer
    A. The fieldwork aspect of cultural anthropology
    Explanation
    Ethnography is the study of different cultures and societies through fieldwork, which involves immersing oneself in the community being studied and observing their behaviors, beliefs, and customs. It is a method used in cultural anthropology to gain an in-depth understanding of specific groups of people and their way of life. Ethnographers typically spend extended periods of time living with the community they are studying, engaging in participant observation, conducting interviews, and collecting data to analyze and interpret cultural patterns and social dynamics.

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  • 18. 

    An anthropologist doing fieldwork strives to achieve the role of:

    • Friend and teacher

    • Key informant

    • Privileged stranger

    • Participant observer

    • Incorporated tribe member

    Correct Answer
    A. Participant observer
    Explanation
    An anthropologist doing fieldwork strives to achieve the role of a participant observer. This means that they actively participate in the culture or community they are studying while also observing and documenting their experiences. By immersing themselves in the daily life of the community, the anthropologist can gain a deeper understanding of the culture and its practices. This approach allows for a more holistic and nuanced analysis of the community, as the anthropologist can observe firsthand the social interactions, rituals, and beliefs of the group.

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  • 19. 

    Immediate return production systems contribute to social equality because:

    • Food storage encourages mobility and sharing

    • There is no particular advantage in long term control of a labor force

    • Daily food harvest and consumption foster higher population density and greater household autonomy

    • There is no basis for differences in social status based on age or sex

    Correct Answer
    A. Daily food harvest and consumption foster higher population density and greater household autonomy
  • 20. 

    According to Goldman, Pacific Island societies were aristocracies based on

    • Belief in the inherent superiority of a line of descent

    • Temporary leadership, selected according to pragmatic or utilitarian principles

    • Self-made leaders who must continually verify their positions by success in warfare

    • Leaders like Amazonian headmen who had to be generous and diplomatic

    Correct Answer
    A. Belief in the inherent superiority of a line of descent
    Explanation
    In Pacific Island societies, the correct answer suggests that they were aristocracies based on the belief in the inherent superiority of a line of descent. This means that social status and leadership positions were determined by one's lineage or ancestry, with those from certain lineages considered superior and having more power and authority. This belief in superiority based on descent would have influenced the social structure and hierarchy within these societies.

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  • 21. 

    Polygamy describes

    • Marriage between a man and two or more women

    • Marriage between a woman and two or more men

    • C) Marriage between a man or a woman and two or more individuals

    • Marriage between multiple individuals

    Correct Answer
    A. Marriage between a man and two or more women
    Explanation
    Polygamy refers to the practice of having multiple spouses at the same time. In this case, the correct answer states that polygamy is the marriage between a man and two or more women. This form of polygamy is known as polygyny. It is important to note that polygamy can also include other variations, such as polyandry (marriage between a woman and two or more men) or group marriage (marriage between multiple individuals). However, in this specific question, the correct answer focuses on the relationship between a man and multiple women.

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  • 22. 

    Berlin and Kay found that

    • A) While each language identified exactly 11 basic color terms, the “focal point” of each term on the color spectrum varied virtually at random in different languages.

    • B) The number of basic color terms in any language varied from 2 to 11, but there was great consistency in the “focal point” of each term on the color spectrum

    • C) There were 2,048 basic color terms recognized by the languages surveyed and the “focal point” of each term on the color spectrum varied virtually at random in different languages

    • D) There were exactly 7 basic color terms in all the languages surveyed, and there was great consistency on the “focal point” of each term on the color spectrum.

    Correct Answer
    A. B) The number of basic color terms in any language varied from 2 to 11, but there was great consistency in the “focal point” of each term on the color spectrum
    Explanation
    Berlin and Kay found that the number of basic color terms in any language varied from 2 to 11, but there was great consistency in the "focal point" of each term on the color spectrum. This means that while different languages may have different numbers of basic color terms, the specific colors that these terms refer to are consistent across languages.

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  • 23. 

    What is the term for the processes that are making nations and people increasingly  interlinked  and mutually dependent?

    • Acculturation

    • Diffusion

    • Globalisation

    • Enculturation

    • Independent invention

    Correct Answer
    A. Globalisation
    Explanation
    Globalisation refers to the processes that are making nations and people increasingly interlinked and mutually dependent. It involves the exchange of goods, services, information, and ideas on a global scale, leading to the integration and interconnectedness of economies, cultures, and societies. Through globalisation, nations and people become more interconnected through trade, communication, and technology, resulting in increased interdependence and the breaking down of barriers between countries.

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  • 24. 

    What is the term for the gift that the wife's group gives to the husband's family?

    • Polygamy

    • Brideweath

    • Dowry

    • Progeny Price

    • Bride Serive

    Correct Answer
    A. Dowry
    Explanation
    A dowry refers to the gift that the wife's family gives to the husband's family in some cultures or societies. It is a traditional practice where the wife's family provides financial or material assets as a form of support for the newly married couple. The purpose of a dowry can vary, but it is often seen as a way to establish the wife's status and to ensure her financial security in her new household.

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  • 25. 

    The Polynesian system of mana:

    • Is a means of organizing production to meet the needs of a large or dense population

    • Provided supernatural support for chiefly status

    • Is a way of impounding and "farming" fish in artificial stone-lined ponds

    • Was the primary supernatural support for Pacific islander navigation and route finding

    Correct Answer
    A. Provided supernatural support for chiefly status
    Explanation
    The Polynesian system of mana provided supernatural support for chiefly status. Mana is a concept in Polynesian culture that refers to a supernatural power or energy that is associated with chiefs and other important individuals. It is believed that those with high mana have a closer connection to the gods and possess greater authority and influence. Therefore, the system of mana played a crucial role in supporting the status and power of chiefs in Polynesian society.

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  • 26. 

    What is a totem?

    • A) A cultural association between specific natural objects and human social groups

    • An animal that everyone adores in a society

    • C) An ideological system that explains the order and meaning of the universe and people’s place within it

    • D) An ideological system that seeks to explain the origin of everything

    Correct Answer
    A. A) A cultural association between specific natural objects and human social groups
    Explanation
    A totem is a cultural association between specific natural objects and human social groups. It is a symbol or emblem that represents a particular social group, such as a clan or tribe, and is often associated with spiritual or religious significance. Totems can be animals, plants, or other natural objects that are believed to have a special connection or relationship with a specific group of people. They serve as a way to identify and unite members of the group and often carry symbolic meanings and beliefs.

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  • 27. 

    The Nuer established paternity based on

    • Genes

    • Bride wealth

    • Lineage

    • Dowry

    Correct Answer
    A. Lineage
    Explanation
    The Nuer established paternity based on lineage, which refers to the descent from a common ancestor. In Nuer society, lineage is a crucial social and cultural institution that determines kinship and inheritance. Paternity is determined by tracing one's lineage through the male line, as the Nuer practice patrilineal descent. This means that children are considered to belong to their father's lineage, and their rights and obligations are determined accordingly. Therefore, lineage plays a significant role in establishing paternity among the Nuer.

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  • 28. 

    One major criticism of the unilineal evolutionists' models of cultural evolution is that the models:

    • Were based on incorrect data

    • Were developed by colonial governments

    • Were developed to support missionary work

    • Were based on very little ethnographic data

    • Miss interpreted cultural people as savages

    Correct Answer
    A. Were based on very little ethnographic data
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that the models of cultural evolution developed by unilineal evolutionists were based on very little ethnographic data. This means that the models were not grounded in a comprehensive understanding of various cultures and societies, leading to inaccurate and incomplete representations of cultural evolution.

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  • 29. 

    Brown's work on the "folk" classification of plants and animals in different languages led him to conclude that:

    • Increasing urbanization and political complexity has lead to a loss of detailed knowledge of plants and animals

    • Knowledge of nature steadily increases within a society as cultural scale increases

    • Abstract life form terms such as tree, grass, bush, and vine tend to disappear from a language as culture scale increases

    • Contrary to Levi-Strauss, the "science of the concrete" is more characteristic of folk classifications used by urbanized societies than by peoples in domestic-scale cultures 31.

    Correct Answer
    A. Increasing urbanization and political complexity has lead to a loss of detailed knowledge of plants and animals
    Explanation
    Brown's work on the "folk" classification of plants and animals in different languages led him to conclude that increasing urbanization and political complexity have led to a loss of detailed knowledge of plants and animals. This means that as societies become more urbanized and politically complex, people tend to have less knowledge about the specific plants and animals in their environment. This can be attributed to a shift in focus towards other aspects of life and a decrease in direct interaction with nature.

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  • 30. 

    Programmes of planned change often do not have the desired effect because of:

    • Failure to adequately supply technology

    • Failure to employ technical aid experts to assess the plan

    • Technical practices on the part of anthropologists

    • Failure to understand the impact of cultural issues on change

    • Disrupts cultural processes

    Correct Answer
    A. Failure to understand the impact of cultural issues on change
    Explanation
    Programmes of planned change often do not have the desired effect because of a failure to understand the impact of cultural issues on change. Cultural factors play a significant role in shaping individuals' beliefs, values, and behaviors. When implementing a change program, it is crucial to consider the cultural context in which it will take place. Failure to do so may result in resistance, lack of acceptance, or even rejection of the proposed changes by the affected individuals or groups. Therefore, understanding and addressing cultural issues are essential for successful planned change initiatives.

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  • 31. 

    What term refers to the culturally sanctioned practice of marrying someone within a group to which one belongs?

    • Incest

    • Exogamy

    • Hypogamy

    • Endogamy

    • Endosperm

    Correct Answer
    A. Endogamy
    Explanation
    Endogamy refers to the culturally sanctioned practice of marrying someone within a group to which one belongs. This means that individuals are expected to marry someone from their own social, cultural, or religious group. It is a way of preserving and reinforcing social, cultural, or religious boundaries and ensuring the continuity of traditions and values within a specific group. In contrast, exogamy refers to the practice of marrying someone outside of one's own group. Incest refers to sexual relationships or marriage between close relatives, while hypogamy refers to marrying someone of lower social status. Endosperm is a term related to plant biology and has no relevance to the question.

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  • 32. 

    Amazonian subsistence production systems:

    • Maximize leisure, household autonomy, and labor equality between men and women

    • Increased garden work by women and supports non-food producing specialists

    • Involves continuous work from tropical dawn to dusk to satisfy all basic needs, but labor equitably shared by men and women

    • Causes men do the garden clearing, hunting and fishing, and thus put in significantly longer hours than women

    Correct Answer
    A. Maximize leisure, household autonomy, and labor equality between men and women
    Explanation
    The Amazonian subsistence production systems aim to maximize leisure, household autonomy, and labor equality between men and women. This means that the systems prioritize creating free time for individuals, allowing households to have control over their own affairs, and ensuring that men and women have equal access to and involvement in labor. This is achieved by increasing the amount of garden work done by women and supporting non-food producing specialists. Although the systems require continuous work from dawn to dusk to meet basic needs, the labor is shared equitably between men and women. Men are responsible for tasks like garden clearing, hunting, and fishing, which often require them to work longer hours than women.

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  • 33. 

    In contrast to earlier political-scale cultures and ancient civilizations, the emerging commercial-scale culture was uniquely characterized by:

    • Stable population and reliance on renewable energy

    • Complex division of labor and assembly-line mass production techniques

    • Simple machines and sustainable consumption

    • Population growth, reliance on non-renewable energy, and non-sustainable consumption

    Correct Answer
    A. Population growth, reliance on non-renewable energy, and non-sustainable consumption
    Explanation
    The correct answer is population growth, reliance on non-renewable energy, and non-sustainable consumption. This is because the emerging commercial-scale culture was characterized by an increase in population, which led to a higher demand for resources and energy. However, instead of relying on renewable energy sources, this culture relied on non-renewable energy sources such as fossil fuels. Additionally, the consumption patterns of this culture were not sustainable, meaning that resources were being used at a faster rate than they could be replenished.

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  • 34. 

    Nuer marriages are based on an agreement between the families of the bride and groom involving rights over:

    • Pasture and water

    • Meat, blood, and milk

    • Grain storage facilities, house structures, and ancestor shrines

    • Cattle and women

    Correct Answer
    A. Cattle and women
    Explanation
    In Nuer marriages, the agreement between the families of the bride and groom involves rights over cattle and women. This suggests that cattle and women hold significant value in Nuer society and are considered important assets in the marriage arrangement. It implies that the bride's family may receive cattle as a form of dowry, while the groom's family gains the woman as a wife. This cultural practice highlights the economic and social importance placed on both cattle and women in Nuer marriages.

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  • 35. 

    There is a clear trend throughout human history, that as the total social income of a society increases with economic growth:

    • The poor benefit disproportionately

    • The middle class benefit disproportionately

    • The elite redistribute economic power downward

    • The top few hundred super-elite increase their wealth

    Correct Answer
    A. The top few hundred super-elite increase their wealth
    Explanation
    As the total social income of a society increases with economic growth, the top few hundred super-elite increase their wealth. This means that while the overall society may experience economic growth, the majority of the benefits are concentrated in the hands of a small group of extremely wealthy individuals. This can lead to income inequality and a widening wealth gap between the super-elite and the rest of the population.

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  • 36. 

    What does patrilocal mean?

    • A) A society that traces its ancestry through the male descendants

    • B) A society who traces its ancestry through female descendants

    • C) A society where married couples go and live with the male’s side of the family

    • D) A society where married couples go and live with the woman’s side of the family

    Correct Answer
    A. C) A society where married couples go and live with the male’s side of the family
    Explanation
    Patrilocal refers to a society where married couples go and live with the male's side of the family. This means that after marriage, the husband and wife leave the wife's family and move to the husband's family's household. It is a common practice in many traditional societies where the husband's family holds more importance and authority. This arrangement allows for the continuation of the husband's lineage and the preservation of family traditions and property.

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  • 37. 

    How is exogamy adaptive?

    • It increases the number of individuals on whom one can rely in time of need

    • It increases the likelihood that disadvantageous alleles will find phenotypic expression and thus be eliminated from the population

    • It impedes peaceful relations among social groups and therefore promotes population expansion

    • It was an important causal factor in the origin of the state

    • It is not adaptive, it is just a cultural construction

    Correct Answer
    A. It increases the number of individuals on whom one can rely in time of need
    Explanation
    Exogamy, the practice of marrying outside one's social group, increases the number of individuals on whom one can rely in times of need. By marrying outside their immediate family or community, individuals establish connections and alliances with other groups, expanding their support network. This can be beneficial in situations such as resource scarcity, conflict, or emergencies, as individuals can rely on their extended network for assistance and cooperation. Therefore, exogamy is considered adaptive as it enhances social resilience and increases the availability of support in times of need.

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  • 38. 

    Like the Hawaiian and Mesopotamian kings, the Inca emperors expanded their social power by

    • Relying exclusively on direct physical threats and intimidation, backed up by a powerful standing army

    • Lavish generosity, in which they distributed luxury goods to everyone in the population, regardless of their social status

    • Creating separate and balanced economic, political, military, and ideological power structures, in effect institutionalizing heterarchy, and decentralizing power

    • Asserting a symbolic connection between themselves, the fertility of nature, and the general well-being of society

    Correct Answer
    A. Creating separate and balanced economic, political, military, and ideological power structures, in effect institutionalizing heterarchy, and decentralizing power
    Explanation
    The Inca emperors expanded their social power by creating separate and balanced economic, political, military, and ideological power structures. This allowed them to institutionalize heterarchy, decentralizing power and distributing it among different structures. This approach ensured that power was not concentrated in one central authority, but rather spread out among different sectors. By doing so, the Inca emperors were able to maintain control and expand their influence over a larger territory.

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  • 39. 

    Polynesian status systems

    • Were based solely on ascription and thus rigid and static

    • Were based entirely on age, sex, and personal characteristics

    • Were concerned entirely with the abstract goal of maintaining cohesion for the society as a whole

    • Combined ascription and achievement and thus promoted status rivalry

    Correct Answer
    A. Combined ascription and achievement and thus promoted status rivalry
    Explanation
    The Polynesian status systems combined both ascription and achievement, which means that social status was determined by both inherited characteristics and personal accomplishments. This combination promoted status rivalry, as individuals could strive to improve their status through their achievements, while also being influenced by their ascribed characteristics. This system allowed for some social mobility and competition within the society.

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  • 40. 

    The process of diminishing returns suggests that states are likely to collapse because of:

    • Environmental imbalance

    • Natural disaster

    • The prohibitive cost of maintaining cultural complexity

    • Foreign conquest

    Correct Answer
    A. Environmental imbalance
    Explanation
    The process of diminishing returns refers to the point at which the benefits gained from an activity or resource start to decline. In the context of states, environmental imbalance can lead to diminishing returns as the natural resources necessary for sustaining a complex society become depleted or compromised. This can result in a collapse of the state as it becomes unable to meet the needs of its population. Therefore, environmental imbalance is a likely cause for the collapse of states according to the concept of diminishing returns.

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  • 41. 

    According to the multiregional theory of evolution

    • Evolution took place within a single evolving lineage

    • B. African modern humans either replaced or assimilated archaic humans

    • We are the most evolved, and therefore best humans that have ever existed

    • D. modern humans have only lived for the last 100,000 years

    Correct Answer
    A. Evolution took place within a single evolving lineage
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that evolution took place within a single evolving lineage. This means that all modern humans can be traced back to a common ancestor and have evolved over time through genetic changes and adaptations. It suggests that there was no replacement or assimilation of archaic humans by African modern humans, and it does not make any claims about modern humans being the most evolved or having only lived for the last 100,000 years.

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  • 42. 

    The ideological domination by one cultural group over another through institutions, bureaucracy, education, and sometimes force, is termed:

    • Colonialism

    • Hegemony

    • Imperialism

    • Globalisation

    Correct Answer
    A. Hegemony
    Explanation
    Hegemony refers to the ideological domination of one cultural group over another through various means such as institutions, bureaucracy, education, and sometimes force. This term describes the way in which a dominant group establishes and maintains its power and influence over others, shaping their beliefs, values, and behaviors. Unlike colonialism, which involves the physical occupation and control of territories, hegemony focuses more on the cultural, social, and intellectual aspects of domination. Imperialism, on the other hand, refers to the political and economic control of one nation over others, often involving the establishment of colonies. Globalization, while it can have hegemonic elements, refers more broadly to the interconnectedness and integration of economies, cultures, and societies on a global scale.

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  • 43. 

    Village exogamy and deferred exchange trading partnerships between men in potentially hostile villages:

    • Are an underlying cause of intervillage feuding and violent conflict

    • Are carried out for strictly utilitarian economic motives

    • Reduce the potential for intervillage conflict

    • Are regulated by the respective village headmen in order to enhance their political power

    • The potential for my wives to sustain the populace

    Correct Answer
    A. Reduce the potential for intervillage conflict
    Explanation
    Village exogamy refers to the practice of marrying outside of one's own village, while deferred exchange trading partnerships involve economic exchanges between men from different villages. These practices can help reduce the potential for conflict between villages by fostering interdependence and cooperation. By forming alliances through marriage and trade, villages can establish relationships based on mutual benefit, which can discourage feuding and violent conflict. Therefore, village exogamy and deferred exchange trading partnerships are likely to reduce the potential for intervillage conflict.

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  • 44. 

    The availability of protein is an important ecological factor limiting the size of villages in Amazonia, but the significance of protein is mediated by cultural factors such as

    • A) The absence of writing meant that Amazonian peoples could not maintain the environmental knowledge needed to increase protein production

    • B) Without metal tools Amazonian peoples could not hunt and fish effectively

    • People preferred large villages regardless of the cos

    • D) Leisure and household autonomy were more important than large villages

    Correct Answer
    A. B) Without metal tools Amazonian peoples could not hunt and fish effectively
    Explanation
    The correct answer is b) Without metal tools Amazonian peoples could not hunt and fish effectively. This answer suggests that the lack of metal tools hindered the ability of Amazonian peoples to effectively hunt and fish for protein. This limitation would have had a significant impact on the availability of protein in the region, which in turn would have limited the size of villages. Cultural factors such as the absence of writing or preferences for large villages are not directly related to the availability of protein and therefore do not explain the limitation on village size.

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  • 45. 

    A headman in Amazonian society

    • A) Must be able to use coercive violence within the village

    • B) Is distinguished by special dress and insignias of office

    • C) Is relieved from the requirement to share and can work less than others

    • Must be a good public speaker and especially generous

    Correct Answer
    A. Must be a good public speaker and especially generous
    Explanation
    In Amazonian society, a headman is expected to possess good public speaking skills and be particularly generous. This suggests that the role of a headman involves effective communication with the community and a willingness to provide support and assistance to others. This aligns with the idea that leadership in this society is based on qualities such as charisma, generosity, and the ability to effectively communicate and engage with others, rather than relying on coercive violence or special dress and insignias of office.

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  • 46. 

    The commercial world’s primary scale-related problems. Which are perhaps the most important threats to sustainable cultural development:

    • Overpopulation and ignorance

    • Wars and disease

    • C. Impoverishing conditions of social power and the impossibility of perpetual growth in a finite world

    • Religious traditions and technological backwardness

    Correct Answer
    A. C. Impoverishing conditions of social power and the impossibility of perpetual growth in a finite world
    Explanation
    The correct answer is c. Impoverishing conditions of social power and the impossibility of perpetual growth in a finite world. This answer suggests that the main threats to sustainable cultural development in the commercial world are the worsening conditions of social power and the fact that perpetual growth is not possible in a finite world. This implies that the concentration of power and wealth in the hands of a few can lead to impoverishment and inequality, while the pursuit of unlimited economic growth in a world with limited resources is unsustainable.

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  • 47. 

    Which of the following statements about culture is not true?

    • All human groups have culture

    • Culture is the main reason for human adaptability

    • Human groups differ in their capacities for culture

    • The capacity for culture is shared by all humans

    • Cultural learning is uniquely elaborated among humans

    Correct Answer
    A. Human groups differ in their capacities for culture
    Explanation
    Human groups differ in their capacities for culture. This statement is not true because all human groups have culture. Culture is a universal aspect of human societies and is present in all human groups. It is through culture that humans are able to adapt and survive in different environments. While there may be variations in the specific practices and beliefs of different cultures, the capacity for culture is shared by all humans. Cultural learning, although elaborated among humans, is not unique to humans as other animals also exhibit forms of cultural learning.

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  • 48. 

    Distinctive features of indigenous peoples that generate political conflict with largerscale cultures include:

    • Ethno-linguistic distinctiveness

    • Political centralization and economic inequality

    • Community-level resource management and relative social equality

    • Small-size and lack of political organization

    Correct Answer
    A. Political centralization and economic inequality
    Explanation
    Indigenous peoples often face political conflict with larger-scale cultures due to political centralization and economic inequality. This means that indigenous communities may have a centralized political structure, which can clash with the more decentralized systems of larger cultures. Additionally, indigenous peoples may experience economic inequality, where they have limited access to resources and opportunities compared to larger-scale cultures. These factors can create tensions and conflicts between indigenous peoples and larger cultures, leading to political disputes and social unrest.

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  • 49. 

    Matrilocality in Amazonia may be functionally associated with

    • The inheritance of land through the female line

    • The importance of female task groups for such activities as manioc processing

    • Female-centered religious cults

    • A high rate of selective female infanticide

    Correct Answer
    A. A high rate of selective female infanticide
    Explanation
    Matrilocality in Amazonia may be functionally associated with a high rate of selective female infanticide. This means that in societies where matrilocality is practiced, where married couples live with or near the wife's family, there may be a higher likelihood of selective female infanticide. This could be because the preference for male offspring is greater in these societies, leading to the killing or abandonment of female infants. This practice could help maintain matrilineal descent and ensure that land and resources are passed down through the female line.

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  • Sep 07, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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  • Jun 07, 2012
    Quiz Created by
    Cashmamatt
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