Question 1

One major reason that !Kung bodies differ Inuit bodies is that:

Accepted Answer

The question is asking for a major reason why !Kung bodies differ from Inuit bodies. The only answer choice that directly addresses this is C as it mentions differing geographic circumstances. It is well-known that the !Kung are a foraging group that live in the Kalahari Desert, while the Inuit are a hunter-gatherer group that live in the Arctic region, two very different environments that would have an impact on their bodies. The other answer choices either make incorrect assumptions about the groups or are too vague to directly address the question.

Question 2

Unlike most other foraging populations, the Inuit:

Accepted Answer

The text states that "the Inuit [...] have a high-protein diet rather than a vegetal diet."

Question 3

Research shows that the average age of weaning in non-industrialized societies is:

Accepted Answer

Research has shown that in non-industrialized societies, the average age of weaning is around 2 ½ to 3 years old. This is due to the fact that breast milk provides important nutrients and immune support, which is especially important in communities where access to clean water and nutritious food may be limited. Weaning earlier, as in options C and D, may not provide adequate nutrition for the child. Option B is too long for a typical weaning age, and option E suggests a range that is too short for most non-industrialized communities.

Question 4

Breastmilk supply in a healthy mom is determined to a large degree by:

Accepted Answer

Breastmilk supply is primarily determined by the principle of supply and demand. When a baby consistently and effectively suckles, it signals the body to produce more milk. This is why frequent and effective breastfeeding is essential for establishing and maintaining an adequate milk supply. Dietary factors such as oligosaccharides and gestational chemicals may play a minor role, but they are not the primary determinant of milk supply. While emotional connection with the baby may influence a mother's willingness to breastfeed, it does not directly impact milk production.

Question 5

"Population-wide correlation studies have found that where co-sleeping rates are ____, SIDS rates are _____.

Accepted Answer

Studies have shown that in cultures where co-sleeping is more common, the rates of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) tend to be lower, possibly due to increased parental awareness and responsiveness.

Question 6

Nutrient 'bioavailability' is affected by:

Accepted Answer

All of the options listed affect nutrient bioavailability, so any of them could be correct. Therefore, the best answer is B, which includes all of the options.

Question 7

Which of the following groups is at the highest risk of bone loss or fractures due to Vitamin D deficiency?

Accepted Answer

Inuit women who are breastfeeding are at the highest risk of bone loss or fractures due to Vitamin D deficiency. This is because they have increased demands for calcium, which requires Vitamin D for absorption, and they may not be able to meet these demands through their diet alone due to their traditional diet being low in Vitamin D. Additionally, they may have limited sun exposure due to cold weather and clothing practices.

Question 8

The Hadza population has a _____ diet and therefore a _____ microbiome.

Accepted Answer

The Hadza population has a high-fiber diet due to their consumption of wild plants and game. This type of diet promotes a highly diverse microbiome. Studies have shown that the Hadza gut microbiome has greater diversity compared to Western populations, likely due to their high-fiber diet.

Question 9

Given the following statements about classic forager workloads under regular (non-extreme) conditions, based on the !Kung situation, which is the most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Studies have found that foragers in regular (non-extreme) conditions, such as the !Kung, work an average of 12-19 hours per week to secure their food needs. This is significantly less than the typical workweek of industrialized societies.

Question 10

Which statement about breastmilk/breastfeeding is true?

Accepted Answer

Breastfeeding provides essential nutrients and antibodies that help reduce infant mortality rates, especially in areas with limited access to clean water and healthcare.

Question 11

Which of these can be classified as a good example of the cultural practice of co-sleeping?

Accepted Answer

Co-sleeping refers to the practice where babies or young children sleep close to one or both parents, as opposed to in a separate room. It is a deliberate practice rather than an accidental or occasional event. Choices A, B, and D describe accidental or situational occurrences rather than a consistent cultural practice. Choice C describes children sleeping in a separate room, which is not co-sleeping.

Question 12

Which group is biologically programmed for a polyphasic sleep pattern?

Accepted Answer

Infants are biologically programmed for a polyphasic sleep pattern, which means they sleep for short periods multiple times throughout the day and night. This is necessary for their growth and development.

Question 13

The loss of foraging traditions had been caused by:

Accepted Answer

Each option (A through D) describes a factor that can lead to the loss of foraging traditions among indigenous or local communities. Industrial pollution, habitat encroachment, intrusion by extractive industries, and exposure to diseases from outsiders can all disrupt traditional ways of life, including foraging practices.

Question 14

Among other things, nutritional fiber is/provides:

Accepted Answer

Nutritional fiber provides food for the human gut's microbiome, which plays an important role in maintaining gut health and promoting digestion.

Question 15

Which of these things does our gut microbiome NOT do:

Accepted Answer

The gut microbiome indeed performs all the functions listed, including producing essential compounds, maintaining gut health, regulating appetite and immune function, and influencing mood and food choices.

Question 16

The organisms that live in our guts enjoy increased fitness when they:

Accepted Answer

The organisms in our gut that keep us healthy enjoy increased fitness because they are able to survive and reproduce in a host that is thriving and not experiencing negative health consequences.

Question 17

What do oligosaccharides do for an infant's body?

Accepted Answer

Oligosaccharides feed the microbiome and act as decoys for certain pathogens, helping to promote gut health and immunity in infants.

Question 18

In the USA, people from which group are most likely to be breast milk sharers?

Accepted Answer

The answer of In the USA, people from which group...

Question 19

Why did the !Kung tease the anthropologist Richard Lee about the ox he bought for the wintertime feast?

Accepted Answer

The passage states that the !Kung tease anyone who brings home big game after a hunting trip, to ensure that they do not become bossy or prideful. Therefore, we can infer that the teasing of the ox was not due to its quality or the personality of the anthropologist, but rather a cultural tradition.

Question 20

Which is NOT true of groups with alcoholic beverage brewing or fermenting traditions?

Accepted Answer

The statement in option A is generally true, as groups with alcoholic beverage brewing or fermenting traditions typically had access to ample potable water which was essential for the brewing process. Option B is not true, as it contradicts the statement in option A. Option C is also true, as many societies with alcoholic beverage traditions had social rules and customs surrounding when and how much alcohol should be consumed. Option D is true for some populations, such as those with a long history of alcohol consumption, but not true for others.

Quiz 6: Foraging