Question 1

______ is the practical application of the subfields of anthropology.

Accepted Answer

Applied anthropology is the subfield of anthropology that applies the principles, methods, and theories of anthropology to solve contemporary social problems. Applied anthropologists work in various settings, such as hospitals, schools, NGOs, and government agencies, to address issues related to health, education, migration, development, and human rights, among others. Linguistics, archaeology, physical anthropology, and cultural anthropology are subfields of anthropology that constitute the academic discipline of anthropology, which focuses on the study of human diversity and variability in the past and present. While these subfields provide important theoretical and methodological perspectives to applied anthropology, they are not primarily concerned with addressing practical issues in the real world.

Question 2

The origins of physical anthropology arose from two areas of interest among 19^th century scientists. What did these areas concern?

Accepted Answer

The origins of physical anthropology in the 19th century were primarily concerned with understanding the origins of modern species, including humans, and the variations observed among human populations.

Question 3

A group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring is called

Accepted Answer

A species is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed and produce fertile offspring. The other options (A, C, D, E) refer to taxa above the level of species.

Question 4

The term evolution refers to

Accepted Answer

Evolution specifically refers to changes in the genetic make-up of a population over time. While it can involve the appearance of new species, it also encompasses genetic changes within populations. Specialization and responses to the environment are aspects of evolution, but they do not fully define the term. Inheritance of traits is a component of genetics, but it is not the sole focus of evolution.

Question 5

Ethnographies

Accepted Answer

Ethnographies are studies of human cultural practices and beliefs, and can include a wide range of topics such as religion, ritual, myth, diet, gender roles, and child-rearing practices. They are not limited to Western European societies, nor are they exclusive to nonhuman primates, archaeologists, or the practical application of anthropological theories.

Question 6

Which of the following includes genetic-alterations within populations?

Accepted Answer

Microevolution refers to changes in genetic makeup within a population over time, including the occurrence of genetic variations and mutations that can lead to evolution.

Question 7

What strategy is unique to humans develop that allows them to adapt to the natural environment?

Accepted Answer

Culture is the unique strategy to humans that allows them to adapt to the natural environment. Humans can learn and pass down behaviors, beliefs, and traditions from one generation to another, leading to cultural evolution rather than biological evolution. This allows for quicker adaptations to changing environments and survival challenges.

Question 8

Which is not an important aspect of human culture?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which is not an important aspect of...

Question 9

Which of the following is not one of the subfields of anthropology in the United States?

Accepted Answer

The four main subfields of anthropology in the United States are cultural anthropology, physical anthropology, archaeology, and linguistic anthropology. Psychological anthropology is not considered a separate subfield, but may overlap with other subfields such as cultural anthropology or biological anthropology.

Question 10

____________ is the study of anatomical and behavior human evolution as evidenced by the fossil record.

Accepted Answer

Paleoanthropology is the study of human evolution through the examination of fossils and artifacts. It includes the analysis of anatomy, behavior, and cultural practices of early humans and their ancestors. Osteology is the study of bones, Primatology is the study of primates, Anthropometry is the measurement of human physical characteristics, and Paleopathology is the study of disease in ancient populations. While all of these fields may be related to human evolution, the study of fossils specifically falls under paleoanthropology.

Question 11

Today, cultural anthropologists are involved in numerous avenues of research including all of the following except

Accepted Answer

The answer of Today, cultural anthropologists are involved in numerous...

Question 12

Archaeologists

Accepted Answer

Archaeologists study earlier human groups using artifacts and structures as their evidence. They are interested in human behavior as well as cultural, social, and technological development. Recovering valuable artifacts is just one aspect of their work. They often collaborate with physical anthropologists to gain a better understanding of past societies. They examine a wide range of civilizations, from simple hunter-gatherer societies to complex civilizations.

Question 13

Culture, as defined in Chapter 1

Accepted Answer

Culture can be defined as the strategy by which humans adapt to the natural environment through learned behaviors, beliefs, and values that shape their interactions with one another and with the natural world. This definition encompasses all aspects of human lifestyle, including those related to the arts, but it is not genetically determined and has been an important factor in human evolution.

Question 14

The study of human biology within the framework of human evolution can be said to be the domain of which of the following?

Accepted Answer

Physical/biological anthropology is the subfield of anthropology that focuses on the biological and physical aspects of human beings, including human evolution, primatology, and osteology.

Question 15

What does the term biocultural evolution refer to?

Accepted Answer

Biocultural evolution refers to the interaction between biology and culture in human evolution. It recognizes that biological and cultural factors work together to shape human evolution, rather than being separate forces. Factors such as language, technology, and social organization have influenced the biological evolution of humans, while biological factors have influenced the development of human culture.

Question 16

Human evolution

Accepted Answer

Human evolution is subject to the same forces, such as natural selection, genetic variation, and adaptation, that have acted upon other organisms. While cultural factors have played a role in shaping human evolution, they are not the sole determinant of it.

Question 17

Cultural anthropology

Accepted Answer

Cultural anthropology is the study of the patterns of belief and behavior found in modern and historical cultures. It includes the study of traditional societies but is not limited to them. While it may not have direct practical application in modern society, understanding cultural differences and similarities can have important implications for areas such as international relations, business, and healthcare.

Question 18

The order Primates includes all of the following except

Accepted Answer

Primates do not include marsupials. Primates are characterized as being mammals with opposable thumbs, forward-facing eyes, and complex social behavior. Marsupials are a distinct group of mammals with unique reproductive characteristics and are not considered primates.

Question 19

Approximately 3.7 million years ago, two or three hominins left their footprints across the savanna of modern day Tanzania, clear evidence that

Accepted Answer

The footprints left were made by hominins, indicating that they walked bipedally.

Question 20

Which subdiscipline of anthropology is concerned with various aspects of human language?

Accepted Answer

Linguistic anthropology is the subdiscipline of anthropology concerned with the study of human language, including its structure, evolution, and social and cultural context.

Quiz 1: Introduction to Physical Anthropology