Question 1

The Dynamic Anthropology article "Resolving a Native American Tribal Membership Dispute" demonstrates some of the applied aspects of kinship studies.In the article,what was the central question that divided the Aroostook Band?

Accepted Answer

The article states that the central question that divided the Aroostook Band was "the question of who was a legitimate 'Indian' and who were 'non-Indians'." This implies that there was a dispute over who had the right to claim membership in the tribe, which is a question of identity and thus falls under the purview of kinship studies. The other three options may have been related to the broader issue of tribal membership, but they were not the central question that divided the Band as described in the article.

Question 2

The Mbuti pygmies orient their houses symbolically.Which statement best describes this practice?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The Mbuti pygmies orient their houses symbolically.Which...

Question 3

Fictive kinship is not important to Canadians.

Accepted Answer

Fictive kinship, or the idea of chosen family, is important to many Canadians, especially those who come from cultural backgrounds where family and community are highly valued. This can include Indigenous communities, immigrant communities, and the LGBTQ+ community.

Question 4

Where was the Terra Amata complex located?

Accepted Answer

The Terra Amata complex was located on a beachfront property, as evidenced by archaeological finds of marine fossils and remains of marine animals.

Question 5

When did the first large-scale urban settlements in the world appear?

Accepted Answer

The first large-scale urban settlements appeared around 9,000 years ago, marking the beginning of the development of cities, particularly in regions like Mesopotamia in the Fertile Crescent.

Question 6

The research on Cheddar Man revealed something about kinship that was quite remarkable.What characteristic of human kinship behaviour did it reveal?

Accepted Answer

The research on Cheddar Man revealed that his DNA was still present in people living in the area today. This suggests that members of his kinship group may not have strayed far from home over very long periods of time, indicating a strong sense of geographic and social identity.

Question 7

Extended kinship ties are still important to the well-being of individuals and nuclear families in Canada.

Accepted Answer

Extended kinship ties, such as relationships with grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, can provide emotional and practical support to individuals and nuclear families in Canada. These ties can be especially important in times of hardship, and many Canadians continue to prioritize maintaining these connections.

Question 8

The term kinship refers to our consanguineal relatives but not our affinal relatives.

Accepted Answer

The term kinship actually refers to both consanguineal relatives (related by blood) and affinal relatives (related through marriage).

Question 9

The central importance of kinship and social life has declined over time.What has declined along with
It?

Accepted Answer

If the central importance of kinship and social life has declined, it follows that the emphasis on studying and understanding kinship terminology has also declined.

Answer: C and D 
 With the decline of central importance of kinship, people's interest in genealogy has also likely declined. Similarly, their access to genealogical information may have also been affected as it may not be as readily available or sought after.

Question 10

How many kinship terminology systems have anthropologists documented?

Accepted Answer

Anthropologists have documented six kinship terminology systems: Eskimo, Hawaiian, Iroquois, Crow, Omaha, and Sudanese.

Question 11

What was some of the early research conducted by Harald Prins on behalf of the Micmacs instrumental in allowing them to do?

Accepted Answer

The early research conducted by Harald Prins on behalf of the Micmacs was aimed at gaining tribal recognition and a land base.

Question 12

Which of the following is an example of a fictive kinship group?

Accepted Answer

A fictive kinship group is a social unit that is not based on blood or marriage ties, but instead is created through shared experiences or rituals. A clan is an example of a fictive kinship group, as it is based on shared descent from a mythical ancestor rather than on actual blood ties. Patrilineal lineages, kindreds, and extended families are all examples of real kinship groups that are based on actual blood or marriage ties.

Question 13

The Stone Age housing discovered at Terra Amata represents some of the oldest houses known.How old is this Stone Age housing complex?

Accepted Answer

The Stone Age housing complex discovered at Terra Amata is approximately 380,000 years old, making it one of the oldest known houses. Option A is too old for human habitation, and options B and D are younger than the estimated age of the Terra Amata site.

Question 14

Genetic anthropology is a fast-growing field that connects archaeology and medical anthropology.According to the text,what impact is genetic anthropology likely to have in the future?

Accepted Answer

The text states that genetic anthropology has "tremendous implications for both prehistoric and contemporary anthropological studies," indicating that it has significant impact in both historical and modern times. The other options are not supported by the text.

Question 15

What label is most consistent with the type of research done by Harald Prins on the Aroostook Band?

Accepted Answer

Harald Prins's research on the Aroostook Band focused on applied anthropology, as he worked directly with the community to better understand their cultural traditions and struggles, and to advocate for their rights and needs. He also sought to use his research to inform policy and promote social justice for the Aroostook community. While elements of physical and medical anthropology may have been relevant to his work, the primary focus was on applied anthropology. The term "salvage anthropology" is outdated and carries a negative connotation, as it implies that indigenous cultures and lifestyles are disappearing and must be "salvaged" by outsiders.

Question 16

The modified extended family in Canada cannot exist without residential proximity and rigidly defined obligations.

Accepted Answer

The statement is false. The modified extended family in Canada, which typically includes grandparents or extended family members who may not live in the same household, can exist without residential proximity and may have flexible obligations.

Question 17

In Canada,the size of our kin group is not a matter of personal choice.

Accepted Answer

In Canada, individuals have the freedom to choose the size of their kin group. It is not predetermined or mandated by society or culture.

Question 18

The residence known as the longhouse has existed in several cultures over the course of human history.What was the most important social function of these structures?

Accepted Answer

Longhouses were used by many cultures, including the Iroquois and the Vikings, and played an important role in reflecting and determining kinship structures. They were typically communal dwellings where extended families lived together and shared resources, and the design of the longhouse often reflected the social hierarchy of the society. While they may have been used for other purposes, such as meetings or religious ceremonies, their primary social function was as a dwelling for extended families.

Question 19

A common way of dealing with problems beyond the coping ability of a household is the formation of descent groups.

Accepted Answer

Descent groups are social groups formed on the basis of kinship, and they provide a support network for their members in dealing with problems beyond the coping ability of a household. This is a common practice in many societies around the world.

Question 20

The Anthropologist's World article on "Genetic Anthropology and the Descent of the Cheddar Man" combines genealogy and genetic science.What have these techniques allowed anthropologists to reveal?

Accepted Answer

Genetic anthropology techniques have allowed anthropologists to reveal a human descent line extending 9,000 years back in time, as demonstrated in the case of the Cheddar Man.

Quiz 9: Kinship and Descent