Race And Human Variation: Trivia Quiz!

1. The process of diffusion accounts for what percent of a society's cultural inventory on average?

90%

75%

25%

10%

Diffusion refers to the spread of cultural traits, ideas, and practices from one society to another. The given answer, 90%, suggests that the process of diffusion accounts for a significant portion of a society's cultural inventory on average. This means that a large percentage of a society's cultural elements, such as language, technology, customs, and beliefs, are acquired through diffusion from other societies. It indicates the importance of cultural exchange and interaction in shaping and enriching a society's cultural diversity.

Explanation

Diffusion refers to the spread of cultural traits, ideas, and practices from one society to another. The given answer, 90%, suggests that the process of diffusion accounts for a significant portion of a society's cultural inventory on average. This means that a large percentage of a society's cultural elements, such as language, technology, customs, and beliefs, are acquired through diffusion from other societies. It indicates the importance of cultural exchange and interaction in shaping and enriching a society's cultural diversity.

2.

Light skin is generally better adapted to a wider variety of conditions

Light skin is sometimes necessary for the production of vitamin D

Light skin may be less prone to damage from cold

Light skin provides better protection from overheating

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Explanation

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3.

Any recognition of biological differences within our species

Any failure to ignore differences among human populations

Judging an individual solely on the basis of his or her racial affiliation

Any social politcy that involves differential treatment of individuals

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Explanation

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4.

Specialized skin cells that produce melanin

Cancerous skin cells caused by too much exposure to UV radiation

Particles of melanin

The genes that code for melanin production

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Explanation

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5.

Population that is isolated from others but still capable of interbreeding

Species that looks nearly the same as related species

A race within a species, like the races of humans

A group that may or may not be a separate species but can be tested

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Explanation

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6.

In discrete units

In categories that coincide with major continental masses

As a cline

Similarly in both the northern and southern hemispheres

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Explanation

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7. The native peoples of Tasmania, when contacted by Europeans in the 17th century, had a relatively uncomplex culture largely because:

They were almost totally isolated from other human societies

They were inherently less intelligent

They were less biologically evolved than most other human groups

They had considerably smaller brains than other populations

The correct answer is that the native peoples of Tasmania had a relatively uncomplex culture largely because they were almost totally isolated from other human societies. This isolation limited their exposure to external influences and prevented the development of more complex cultural practices and technologies that often result from interactions with other societies.

Explanation

The correct answer is that the native peoples of Tasmania had a relatively uncomplex culture largely because they were almost totally isolated from other human societies. This isolation limited their exposure to external influences and prevented the development of more complex cultural practices and technologies that often result from interactions with other societies.

8.

Ultraviolet radiation

No adaptive factor

Susceptibility and resistance to disease

Racial group

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Explanation

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9. Relative degree of cultural complexity is mostly linked to:

Inventiveness of the people within a culture

Access to other cultures and their ideas and inventions

Degree of intelligence among a society's people

Distance from the equator, colder conditions promoting more complexity

The relative degree of cultural complexity is mostly linked to access to other cultures and their ideas and inventions. When a culture has exposure to different cultures, it has the opportunity to learn from their ideas and inventions, leading to the development of new technologies, systems, and ways of life. This exchange of knowledge and innovation promotes cultural complexity as it allows for the integration and adaptation of diverse cultural elements. The inventiveness of the people within a culture and the degree of intelligence among a society's people can contribute to cultural complexity, but they are not the primary factors. Distance from the equator and colder conditions promoting more complexity is not a valid explanation.

Explanation

The relative degree of cultural complexity is mostly linked to access to other cultures and their ideas and inventions. When a culture has exposure to different cultures, it has the opportunity to learn from their ideas and inventions, leading to the development of new technologies, systems, and ways of life. This exchange of knowledge and innovation promotes cultural complexity as it allows for the integration and adaptation of diverse cultural elements. The inventiveness of the people within a culture and the degree of intelligence among a society's people can contribute to cultural complexity, but they are not the primary factors. Distance from the equator and colder conditions promoting more complexity is not a valid explanation.

10. What feature of our species is most important for accounting for the fact that we cannot be divided into biologically meaningful racial or subspecies groups?

Our culture

Rules of endogamy

Mobility and gene flow

Variety of environmental conditions under which our populations live

The most important feature of our species that explains why we cannot be divided into biologically meaningful racial or subspecies groups is mobility and gene flow. This means that humans have historically migrated and interbred with different populations, leading to the mixing of genetic traits across different regions. This constant movement and exchange of genes has prevented the development of distinct and isolated groups that could be categorized as separate races or subspecies. Instead, human populations exhibit a wide variety of genetic diversity that is not easily classified into discrete categories.

Explanation

The most important feature of our species that explains why we cannot be divided into biologically meaningful racial or subspecies groups is mobility and gene flow. This means that humans have historically migrated and interbred with different populations, leading to the mixing of genetic traits across different regions. This constant movement and exchange of genes has prevented the development of distinct and isolated groups that could be categorized as separate races or subspecies. Instead, human populations exhibit a wide variety of genetic diversity that is not easily classified into discrete categories.

11. A continuum of gradual change in phenotypic features across geographical space is called a:

Folk taxonomy

Cline

Racial classification

Discordance

A continuum of gradual change in phenotypic features across geographical space is called a cline. This term is used to describe the variation in traits or characteristics of a species that gradually change from one population to another along a geographical gradient. It suggests that there is no clear-cut boundary or distinct categories, but rather a gradual transition. This concept is important in understanding the complexity and diversity of species distribution and adaptation to different environments.

Explanation

A continuum of gradual change in phenotypic features across geographical space is called a cline. This term is used to describe the variation in traits or characteristics of a species that gradually change from one population to another along a geographical gradient. It suggests that there is no clear-cut boundary or distinct categories, but rather a gradual transition. This concept is important in understanding the complexity and diversity of species distribution and adaptation to different environments.

12.

The races of humans

Breeds of dogs

Caribou and reindeer

Humans and chimpanzees

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Explanation

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13. Biologically, race is a synonym for:

Subspecies

Species

Cline

Ethnic group

Race is a biological term used to categorize different populations within a species based on distinct physical characteristics. Subspecies refers to populations within a species that have developed unique traits due to geographical or environmental factors. Therefore, subspecies is the correct answer as it accurately represents the biological concept of race.

Explanation

Race is a biological term used to categorize different populations within a species based on distinct physical characteristics. Subspecies refers to populations within a species that have developed unique traits due to geographical or environmental factors. Therefore, subspecies is the correct answer as it accurately represents the biological concept of race.

14. The distribution of most phenotypic variation in most species may be described as:

Being in discrete clusters

Being specifically geared to environmental conditions

A continuum of gradual change

Completely random with little or no regularity

The correct answer is "a continuum of gradual change." This means that the phenotypic variation in most species is not restricted to discrete clusters or specific environmental conditions, but rather exists on a spectrum of gradual change. This suggests that there is a range of phenotypes within a species, with intermediate forms between distinct traits. This gradual change can be influenced by various factors such as genetic variation, natural selection, and environmental factors.

Explanation

The correct answer is "a continuum of gradual change." This means that the phenotypic variation in most species is not restricted to discrete clusters or specific environmental conditions, but rather exists on a spectrum of gradual change. This suggests that there is a range of phenotypes within a species, with intermediate forms between distinct traits. This gradual change can be influenced by various factors such as genetic variation, natural selection, and environmental factors.

15.

Latitude

Ultraviolet radiation

Altitude

Hickness of the atmosphere UV radiation passes through

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Explanation

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16. The human species is so genetically homogeneous that we all share _______ percent of our species' genes.

25%

50%

75%

99% +

The human species is so genetically homogeneous that we all share over 99% of our species' genes. This means that despite our physical differences, we are all incredibly similar at the genetic level. This high level of genetic similarity is what allows us to be classified as the same species.

Explanation

The human species is so genetically homogeneous that we all share over 99% of our species' genes. This means that despite our physical differences, we are all incredibly similar at the genetic level. This high level of genetic similarity is what allows us to be classified as the same species.

17.

European racial categories and attitudes

Categories invented here during the colonial and slave periods

African and Asian racial taxonomies

The scientific study of human biological diversity

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Explanation

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18.

A

B

AB

O

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Explanation

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19. To say that human race is a folk taxonomy means that:

The concept is important only in modern industrial societies

It is found only among very primitive cultures

Race only has meaning in scientific Western cultures

It is an example of a set of cultural categories

The statement suggests that the term "human race" is a folk taxonomy, meaning it is a cultural category rather than a scientific or objective classification. This implies that the concept of race varies across different cultures and does not have a universal or inherent meaning. It highlights the idea that race is a social construct shaped by cultural beliefs and practices.

Explanation

The statement suggests that the term "human race" is a folk taxonomy, meaning it is a cultural category rather than a scientific or objective classification. This implies that the concept of race varies across different cultures and does not have a universal or inherent meaning. It highlights the idea that race is a social construct shaped by cultural beliefs and practices.

20.

An increased number of melanocytes

An increase in the number of dark skin cells

Genetic changes that permanently darken the skin

Increased melanin production by the melanocytes

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Explanation

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21.

Corresponds to latitude

Corresponds to climatic factors

Coincides with the distribution of skin color

Appears random with regard to any obvious factor

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Explanation

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22. Populations within a species that still can interbreed but don't because of isolation are referred to as:

Subspecies

Races

Clines

Semispecies

Populations within a species that can still interbreed but do not due to isolation are referred to as semispecies. This term is used to describe populations that are in the process of speciation, where they are on their way to becoming distinct species but are not yet fully reproductively isolated. This can occur due to geographical barriers or other factors that prevent gene flow between populations, leading to the development of unique traits and characteristics.

Explanation

Populations within a species that can still interbreed but do not due to isolation are referred to as semispecies. This term is used to describe populations that are in the process of speciation, where they are on their way to becoming distinct species but are not yet fully reproductively isolated. This can occur due to geographical barriers or other factors that prevent gene flow between populations, leading to the development of unique traits and characteristics.

23. Diffusion of inventions and ideas was more efficient in Eurasia because:

It has a more beneficial climate

The people there were always more culturally advanced

The land mass is larger

They could move greater distances without changing latitudes

The ability to move greater distances without changing latitudes in Eurasia allowed for easier diffusion of inventions and ideas. This is because similar latitudes often share similar climates and environmental conditions, making it easier for people to adapt and transfer knowledge across regions. In contrast, regions with significant changes in latitude often have different climates and environments, making it more challenging for inventions and ideas to spread efficiently. Therefore, the ease of movement without changing latitudes in Eurasia facilitated the exchange of innovations and knowledge, contributing to more efficient diffusion in the region.

Explanation

The ability to move greater distances without changing latitudes in Eurasia allowed for easier diffusion of inventions and ideas. This is because similar latitudes often share similar climates and environmental conditions, making it easier for people to adapt and transfer knowledge across regions. In contrast, regions with significant changes in latitude often have different climates and environments, making it more challenging for inventions and ideas to spread efficiently. Therefore, the ease of movement without changing latitudes in Eurasia facilitated the exchange of innovations and knowledge, contributing to more efficient diffusion in the region.

24. The connection between race and IQ is:

Biological

Genetic

Completely nonexistent

Cultural

The correct answer is cultural because the connection between race and IQ is not determined by biological or genetic factors. Numerous studies have shown that IQ differences among different racial groups can be attributed to cultural and socio-economic factors, such as access to education, opportunities, and societal biases. These factors have a significant impact on cognitive development and performance on IQ tests, rather than any inherent biological or genetic differences between races.

Explanation

The correct answer is cultural because the connection between race and IQ is not determined by biological or genetic factors. Numerous studies have shown that IQ differences among different racial groups can be attributed to cultural and socio-economic factors, such as access to education, opportunities, and societal biases. These factors have a significant impact on cognitive development and performance on IQ tests, rather than any inherent biological or genetic differences between races.

25. IQ tests are said to have "reified" intelligence. This means that IQ tests:

Are a real way to measure a person's innate intelligence

Have provided a way of finally understanding the nature of intelligence

Made intelligence seem like a real thing

Reduced a complex idea into a single entity, in this case a number

IQ tests are said to have "reified" intelligence, meaning that they have reduced the complex idea of intelligence into a single entity, which is represented by a number. This suggests that IQ tests simplify the concept of intelligence, making it easier to quantify and measure. Instead of considering intelligence as a multifaceted and nuanced trait, IQ tests condense it into a single numerical value, which may not fully capture the complexity of human intelligence.

Explanation

IQ tests are said to have "reified" intelligence, meaning that they have reduced the complex idea of intelligence into a single entity, which is represented by a number. This suggests that IQ tests simplify the concept of intelligence, making it easier to quantify and measure. Instead of considering intelligence as a multifaceted and nuanced trait, IQ tests condense it into a single numerical value, which may not fully capture the complexity of human intelligence.

26. Which of the following is NOT a reason why we say that human races don't exist on a biological level?

Our species displays a great deal of gene flow

Our species is genetically very homogeneous

Recognizing race leads to social inequalities

Because of culture, we all share a similar basic environment

Recognizing race leads to social inequalities because it promotes the idea that certain races are superior or inferior to others, leading to discrimination and unequal treatment based on race. This statement suggests that the non-existence of human races on a biological level is not related to the recognition of race leading to social inequalities.

Explanation

Recognizing race leads to social inequalities because it promotes the idea that certain races are superior or inferior to others, leading to discrimination and unequal treatment based on race. This statement suggests that the non-existence of human races on a biological level is not related to the recognition of race leading to social inequalities.