Anthropologists Practice Quiz

If two genes or alleles for a trait are the same, it means that the organism has inherited identical copies of the gene from both parents. This condition is known as homozygous. Homozygous individuals have a higher likelihood of expressing the trait associated with that gene, as there is no variation or conflicting information from different alleles.

Franz Boas is widely regarded as the founder of cultural anthropology. He played a pivotal role in shaping the discipline, emphasizing the importance of fieldwork, cultural relativism, and a holistic approach to studying societies. Boas's influence has had a lasting impact on cultural anthropology, setting the foundation for the understanding and analysis of diverse cultures around the world.

Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA molecule that is synthesized from a portion of DNA during the process of transcription. It serves as a template for protein synthesis during translation. Therefore, the correct answer is DNA, as mRNA is indeed copied from a portion of DNA.

The correct answer is "longer." Compared to other primates, humans have a longer dependency period. This means that human offspring require more care and support from their parents for a longer period of time before they can become independent. This extended dependency period is due to the complexity of human development and the need for extensive learning and socialization.

The term "physiological differences" refers to differences in the physical and functional characteristics of organisms. In the context of the given question, it suggests that the males and females of the species exhibit variations in their physiological traits, such as size and appearance. This could include differences in body structure, organs, or other physical attributes that are determined by biological processes and functions.

Among the Lepcha, it was believed that a man would become homosexual if he ate the flesh of an uncastrated pig. This belief suggests that the act of consuming the flesh of an uncastrated pig was seen as a catalyst for a man's sexual orientation. It is important to note that this belief is specific to the Lepcha culture and may not be applicable to other cultures or societies.

Mana is a term used by anthropologists to refer to a supernatural force that is believed to reside in certain individuals and objects. This force is considered to be powerful and can have an influence on the physical and spiritual world. It is often associated with notions of luck, power, and authority. The concept of mana is found in various cultures and is believed to be a source of spiritual energy that can be harnessed or controlled by those who possess it.

In anthropological studies by Alice Schlegel and Rohn Eloul in "Marriage transactions: Labor, property, and status," it has been observed that a significant percentage of societies include explicit economic transactions that occur before or after a marriage. This suggests that economic considerations play a crucial role in these societies when it comes to marriage arrangements. The answer "about 75" implies that approximately 75% of the societies studied by anthropologists exhibit this pattern of economic transactions related to marriage.

Among the Iroquois, women had a great deal of say over who the group's leaders are. This suggests that women held significant power and influence within the community, as they were involved in the decision-making process for selecting leaders. This indicates a level of gender equality and recognition of women's voices and opinions in the Iroquois society.

In the ranked society of Palau, the gods are associated with different clans and are ranked like clans. This means that each god is connected to a specific clan and holds a particular rank within that clan's hierarchy. The ranking of the gods mirrors the ranking of the clans, emphasizing the close relationship between the divine and human social structures in Palauan society.

The correct answer is "lower cuspids having five cusps with a Y shaped groove." The y-5 pattern of hominids refers to the unique dental morphology found in their lower cuspids, which have five cusps arranged in a Y-shaped groove. This dental characteristic is a distinguishing feature of hominids and is used to classify and identify different species within the hominid family. The expanded cerebral cortex capacity and bipedalism are not directly related to the y-5 pattern of hominids.

In most societies, the average length of time for a mother to breastfeed her child is 24 months. This duration is considered optimal for the baby's health and development, as breast milk provides essential nutrients and antibodies. It is recommended by organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) to exclusively breastfeed for the first six months of life, and then continue breastfeeding alongside complementary foods up to two years or beyond. Breastfeeding for 24 months ensures that the child receives the full benefits of breastfeeding and promotes their overall well-being.

The correct answer is "arboreal" because many skeletal features of primates, such as flexible shoulder joints and grasping hands and feet, are adaptations for living in trees. This suggests that their existence is primarily arboreal, or tree-dwelling.

Proconsul is the best known genus of proto ape from the Miocene. It lived approximately 23 to 25 million years ago and is considered an early ancestor of both humans and apes. Fossil evidence suggests that Proconsul had a combination of ape-like and monkey-like features, with a flexible spine and limbs that allowed for both climbing and walking on all fours. Its dental and cranial features also indicate a diet of fruits and leaves. Proconsul is an important species in understanding the evolutionary history of apes and provides valuable insights into the early stages of primate evolution.

In traditional wedding customs, the groom or his family often provides a gift of money or goods to the bride's family as a symbol of appreciation and respect. This gift is commonly referred to as a "bride price." It is given to the bride's kin as a way of compensating them for the loss of their daughter and to establish the groom's commitment and ability to provide for the bride. Therefore, "price" is the correct answer as it accurately describes the nature of this gift.

In his distinction between taboo and mana, Anthony Wallace argues that things containing taboo cannot be touched. This implies that taboo items possess a certain level of sacredness or power that makes them off-limits for physical contact. Unlike mana, which is a positive and potent force, taboo is associated with restrictions and prohibitions. Touching taboo objects is believed to have negative consequences or bring about harm. Therefore, according to Wallace, the key difference lies in the ability to touch or handle things containing taboo.

A long postpartum sex taboo is most likely to occur where people depend on crops that are low in protein. This is because low protein diets can lead to longer recovery periods after childbirth, making it less likely for women to engage in sexual activity during this time. Additionally, low protein diets can affect fertility rates, leading to longer intervals between pregnancies and therefore a longer postpartum period.

In societies with punitive or hurtful child rearing practices, gods are more likely to be viewed as aggressive and malevolent. This is because harsh parenting methods can create a belief system that emphasizes punishment and aggression as a means of control. Children growing up in such societies may internalize this belief system and project it onto their understanding of gods, perceiving them as aggressive and malevolent beings.

A lineage refers to a group of people who consider themselves descendants of a common ancestor, but the specific connections back to that ancestor might not be explicitly mentioned or detailed. The term "lineage" fits the context of the sentence, describing a group with a shared belief in common descent without necessarily specifying the exact genealogical links. I hope this clears up any confusion.

Many scholars believe that island hopping when sea levels were much lower must have been the means of bringing anthropoids to South America. This explanation suggests that anthropoids, which are primates like monkeys and apes, were able to travel from one island to another when the sea levels were lower, allowing them to eventually reach South America. This theory is supported by the fact that anthropoid fossils have been found in South America, indicating that they must have migrated there somehow. Rafting on drifting vegetation, migration before the continents drifted apart, and migration across the land bridge between Asia and North America are not supported by evidence and are less likely explanations.

The correct answer is chimpanzees because chimpanzees are not prosimians. Prosimians are a group of primates that include lemurs, tarsiers, and lorises. Chimpanzees, on the other hand, belong to the great ape family, which is a different group of primates.

Hybridization refers to the creation of viable offspring from two different species. This process occurs when individuals from different species mate and produce offspring that are a combination of traits from both parental species. Hybridization can occur naturally or be facilitated through human intervention, and it often leads to the formation of new species or subspecies. This process is an important mechanism of evolution and can result in the introduction of new genetic variations into a population.

Research has often shown that, on average, boys tend to exhibit higher levels of physical aggression compared to girls from an early age. This is a generalization and may not apply to every individual, as there is considerable variation within each gender. Additionally, it's important to note that societal expectations and norms can influence behavior, and these patterns may not be universal across all cultures.

The third principle of natural selection is differential reproductive success. This means that individuals with traits that are advantageous in their particular environment are more likely to survive and reproduce, passing on those traits to future generations. This leads to a gradual change in the population over time, as traits that increase reproductive success become more common. Biodiversity and heritability are important concepts in understanding natural selection, but they do not specifically relate to the third principle. Natural selection itself is the process by which individuals with advantageous traits are selected, but it does not encompass the idea of reproductive success. Therefore, the correct answer is differential reproductive success.

Uniformitarianism is the correct answer because it refers to the concept that the earth is continuously shaped and reshaped by natural forces over long periods of time. This idea suggests that the same geological processes that are happening today have been occurring throughout history, allowing scientists to study present-day phenomena to understand past events. It is a fundamental principle in geology and helps explain the formation of rocks, landscapes, and other geological features.

In societies with a balanced sex ratio, polygyny is least likely because there is an equal number of men and women available for marriage. Polygyny is a practice where a man has multiple wives, and it is more likely to occur in societies where there is a shortage of men or an excess of women. In societies with a balanced sex ratio, there is less competition for mates, and individuals are more likely to find a single partner for marriage.

According to Clifford Geertz, when individuals encounter ignorance, pain, and the unfairness of life, they tend to explain events by attributing them to the intervention of the gods. This suggests that in the face of uncertainty and suffering, people often turn to supernatural explanations as a way to make sense of the world around them. Geertz's perspective highlights the human tendency to seek meaning and understanding in the divine realm when faced with difficult or inexplicable circumstances.

Richard Antoun suggests that fundamentalist movements have the following elements in common: the selective use of scripture to inspire and assert proof of particular certainties, the quest for purity and traditional values in what is viewed as an impure world, and the active opposition to what is viewed as a permissive secular society. However, the idea of a nation state that combines religion and the state is not mentioned as one of the common elements of fundamentalist movements according to Antoun's perspective.

In societies where descent groups are important decision-making groups, people are most likely to believe that their ancestors play an active role in their lives. This is because descent groups, which are based on kinship and lineage, hold significant influence and power in decision-making processes. As a result, individuals in these societies may attribute their ancestors' involvement and guidance in important decisions, seeking their wisdom and support. This belief is reinforced by the importance placed on ancestral traditions and the role of ancestors in maintaining social cohesion and order within the society.