This Document Contains Chapters 1 to 3 CHAPTER 1: The Importance of Anthropology Multiple Choice Questions 1. Anthropology takes a(n) __________ approach that includes a wide geographic and historical range. a. personal b. cultural c. topical d. holistic 2. What explanation did American educators give when they discovered African American schoolchildren rarely drank milk? a. milk intolerance b. a lack of money or education c. a dislike for the flavor of milk d. milk was only drunk at home 3. A human paleontologist would be least interested in __________. a. primates b. cultural systems c. fossil evidence of humans d. sociological relationships 4. Archaeology is a subfield of __________. a. cultural anthropology b. linguistics c. primatology d. history 5. The study of how languages change through time and how they may be related is __________. a. structural linguistics b. historical linguistics c. sociolinguistics d. ethnolinguistics 6. The study of how language is used in social contexts is called __________. a. historical linguistics b. descriptive linguistics c. structural linguistics d. sociolinguistics 7. An ethnographer would __________. a. work in the field for long periods of time b. work with applied anthropologists in developing foreign aid projects c. make many cross-cultural comparisons d. work directly with historians on various projects 8. An ethnohistorian would __________. a. work in the field for long periods of time b. study the way in which cultures have changed over time c. study only past cultures, much as archaeologists do d. prepare lengthy reports on extinct cultures 9. A(n) __________ may be trained in any or all of the subfields of anthropology. a. applied or practicing anthropologist b. biological anthropologist c. ethnologist d. political anthropologist 10. Prosimians, monkeys, apes, and humans are all members of the order of __________. a. primates b. humans c. Homo sapiens d. primatologists 11. Anthropology is literally the study of __________. a. human history b. human population patterns c. humans d. the products of human societies 12. Applied anthropologists practice __________. a. in the field of cultural anthropology b. in the field of ethnology c. in the field of paleontology d. in all subfields of anthropology 13. The __________ seeks to understand how and why peoples of today and the recent past differ in their customary ways of thinking and acting. a. archaeologist b. ethnologist c. ethnographer d. primatologist 14. Anthropology includes all of the following except __________. a. why contemporary peoples have different cultures b. how humans vary biologically c. how insect colonies are organized d. when humans first appeared on the earth 15. Compared to anthropologists of previous years, an anthropologist today is more likely to __________. a. specialize in one certain topic or area b. investigate many different aspects of life of the people studied c. study a geographically more distant society d. do fieldwork alone 16. The belief that it is impossible to account for human behavior scientifically is _________. a. an accepted generality b. impossible to quantify c. theoretically implausible d. a self-fulfilling notion 17. Which of the following is not usually considered one of the four main subfields of anthropology? a. Archaeology b. Biological anthropology c. Anthropological linguistics d. Applied anthropology 18. The __________ is interested in what people speak about and how they interact conversationally. a. sociolinguist b. anthropological linguist c. historical linguist d. ethnologist 19. Which of the following would not be considered part of cultural anthropology? a. Archaeology b. Anthropological linguistics c. Ethnology d. Human paleontology 20. Compared to the archaeologist, the historian is __________. a. more likely to study how societies change over time b. less likely to analyze written records c. more likely to analyze written records d. more likely to study cultures older than 5000 years 21. Which of the following is least likely to interest an archaeologist? a. Ancient garbage heaps b. Ancient temples c. Pieces of ancient pottery d. Dinosaur bones 22. The study of anthropology may be useful for all of the following except _________. a. giving us a sense of humility about our own culture’s failings b. helping us avoid misunderstandings between people c. giving us a better understanding of humankind d. helping us determine which culture traits are the best 23. How does anthropology differ from other fields that also study humans (e.g., sociology, psychology, etc.)? a. It is broader in scope, geographically. b. It is narrower in scope, historically. c. It is broader in scope, both geographically and historically. d. It is narrower in scope, geographically. 24. Traditionally anthropologists concentrated on __________ and left the study of __________ to other disciplines. a. non-Western cultures, Western civilization b. Western civilization, non-Western cultures c. primitive cultures, primates d. archaeological remains, language 25. In the past anthropologists tried to cover as many subjects as possible, but today many anthropologists __________. a. focus on non-Western cultures b. specialize in biological anthropology c. specialize in one of the four subfields d. focus on archaeological remains 26. The following subfields are considered part of cultural anthropology except __________. a. biological anthropology b. archaeology c. linguistics d. ethnology 27. The study of human paleontology and human variation are included in what subfield of anthropology? a. Biological anthropology b. Archaeology c. Linguistics d. Ethnology 28. The study of living prosimians, monkeys, and apes is called __________, which is part of the subfield of __________. a. paleoanthropology, biological anthropology b. archaeozoology, archaeology c. primatology, biological anthropology d. ethnography, ethnology 29. Which subfield of anthropology draws from human genetics, population biology, and epidemiology to better understand the biological variations observable among contemporary human populations? a. Paleoanthropology b. Primatology c. Human variation d. Ethnography 30. The term __________ refers to the customary ways that a particular population or society thinks and behaves. a. ethnology b. ethnography c. sociolinguistics d. culture 31. Archaeologists do all of the following except __________. a. reconstruct the daily life and customs of peoples who lived in the past b. reconstruct prehistoric languages c. trace cultural changes d. offer possible explanations for why culture changed 32. How far do the earliest written languages date back? a. 15,000 years ago b. 10,000 years ago c. 5,000 years ago d. 2,000 years ago 33. A linguist studying the American Samoa language determined that the letters t and k can be interchanged in words without changing the meaning. What type of linguist would this be? a. Historical b. Descriptive (or structural) c. Cultural d. Social 34. What type of anthropologist uses written documents (such as missionary reports and government records) to study how life has changed over time for a particular group? a. Physical anthropologist b. Sociolinguist c. Archaeologist d. Ethnohistorian 35. Today, more than half of all professional anthropologists are __________. a. biological anthropologists b. applied, or practicing anthropologists c. ethnologists d. archaeologists 36. John Whiting’s theory is that a long postpartum sex taboo may be an adaptation to kwashiorkor, a disease of __________. a. meiosis b. reproductive success c. protein deficiency d. enzyme synthesis 37. To transform theoretical predictions into statements that might be verified, a researcher provides a(n) __________ of each of the concepts or variables mentioned in the prediction. a. measurement b. statistical association c. operational definition d. theoretical construct 38. An explanation of a law and/or a statistical association is called a __________. a. variable b. theory c. prediction d. definition 39. Scientists and philosophers of science now generally agree that __________. a. all theories must be proven to be true b. most theories have been proven to be true c. only one theory has been proven to be true d. no theory can be said to be proved or unquestionably true 40. Theories are evaluated through a process called __________. a. observation b. falsification c. judgment d. statistics Essay Questions 41. Describe the four fields of anthropology. How do they relate to the holistic approach taken by the field of anthropology? 42. What is archaeology? How does it differ from ethnohistory? 43. Describe applied anthropology. Give an example of it from each of the four fields of anthropology. 44. How can an understanding of anthropology help all of us understand each other? 45. How is anthropology different from other behavioral disciplines? 46. How is anthropology relevant to modern life (perhaps your own)? 47. As archaeology deals with the past, what can archaeological knowledge do for humanity in the present and future? 48. Why does simplicity of technology by a particular group not necessarily imply backwardness? Use an example of a group you have read about. 49. How can historical linguistics help us understand human migration patterns? Multiple Choice Answer Key 1. d 2. b 3. d 4. a 5. b 6. d 7. a 8. b 9. a 10. a 11. c 12. d 13. b 14. c 15. a 16. d 17. d 18. a 19. d 20. c 21. d 22. d 23. c 24. a 25. c 26. a 27. a 28. c 29. c 30. d 31. b 32. c 33. b 34. d 35. b 36. c 37. c 38. b 39. d 40. b Essay Answer 41. The four fields of anthropology are: 1. Cultural Anthropology: Studies human societies and cultures and their development. 2. Archaeology: Investigates past human societies through their material remains. 3. Biological (Physical) Anthropology: Examines human evolution and biological diversity. 4. Linguistic Anthropology: Explores the relationship between language and culture. These fields relate to the holistic approach of anthropology by integrating biological, cultural, historical, and linguistic perspectives to understand the full complexity of human beings and their interactions. This comprehensive approach allows anthropologists to examine humanity from multiple angles, ensuring a thorough and interconnected understanding of human existence. 42. Archaeology is the study of past human societies through their material remains, such as artifacts, structures, and landscapes. Ethnohistory differs from archaeology in that it combines historical records with ethnographic methods to study cultures and indigenous peoples, often focusing on the more recent past. In essence, archaeology relies on physical evidence, while ethnohistory uses documentary sources and oral histories to understand cultural changes and continuities. 43. Applied anthropology uses anthropological methods and knowledge to address practical, real-world problems. 1. Cultural Anthropology: Developing community-based programs to improve public health. • Example: Creating culturally appropriate health education campaigns in diverse communities. 2. Archaeology: Assisting in the preservation and management of cultural heritage sites. • Example: Working with local governments to preserve ancient ruins threatened by urban development. 3. Biological (Physical) Anthropology: Applying forensic anthropology techniques in criminal investigations. • Example: Identifying human remains for law enforcement agencies. 4. Linguistic Anthropology: Helping to revitalize endangered languages. • Example: Collaborating with indigenous communities to document and teach native languages to younger generations. 44. An understanding of anthropology helps us appreciate human diversity, recognize cultural patterns, and respect different ways of life. It fosters empathy, reduces ethnocentrism, and promotes effective communication across cultural boundaries, enabling us to better understand and relate to each other in a globalized world. 45. Anthropology is different from other behavioral disciplines because it takes a holistic approach, integrating biological, cultural, archaeological, and linguistic perspectives to study humans across time and space. It emphasizes fieldwork and participant observation, focusing on both past and present human societies, and is uniquely comprehensive in examining the full scope of human experience. 46. Anthropology is relevant to modern life as it promotes cultural awareness, adaptability, and critical thinking. It helps address global challenges like healthcare, migration, and social justice by providing insights into human behavior and social structures. For individuals, it enhances cross-cultural understanding, improves interpersonal interactions, and informs more inclusive and effective policies and practices in diverse fields. 47. Archaeological knowledge can help humanity in the present and future by preserving cultural heritage, informing sustainable practices, and providing lessons from past societies' successes and failures. It enhances our understanding of human history, fostering a sense of identity and continuity, and guides contemporary decision-making in areas like urban planning, conservation, and disaster management. 48. Simplicity of technology by a particular group does not imply backwardness because technology is adapted to meet specific environmental and cultural needs efficiently. For example, the San people of the Kalahari Desert use simple tools, but their knowledge of the environment and sophisticated survival strategies demonstrate advanced understanding and adaptation, not backwardness. 49. Historical linguistics helps us understand human migration patterns by analyzing changes and relationships in languages over time. By studying language families, loanwords, and phonological shifts, linguists can trace the movements and interactions of different populations. For instance, the spread of the Indo-European language family provides insights into ancient migrations and cultural exchanges across Europe and Asia. CHAPTER 2: Research Methods in Anthropology Multiple Choice Questions 1. Archaeologists and paleoanthropologists rely on all of the following types of evidence to discover the past except __________. a. artifacts b. Eco facts c. features d. books 2. The most common artifacts of the past are __________. a. wooden tools b. stone tools c. iron tools d. plastic tools 3. _________ are simply holes dug by humans that are later filled with garbage or eroded soil. a. Dumps b. Living floors c. Hearths d. Pits 4. Pollen found at an archaeological site is a good example of a(n) __________. a. artifact b. Eco fact c. fossil d. feature 5. Fossils are __________. a. rare. b. particularly informative about human biological evolution. c. common. d. both A and B. 6. Which of the following is not an example of a feature? a. a building b. a hearth c. a midden d. a stone axe 7. A midden is a __________. a. garbage dump b. palace c. bog d. none of the above 8. Sites are known and suspected locations of human activity in the past that contain __________. a. a record of that activity b. wealth beyond our dreams c. human buildings d. none of the above 9. Which of the following create(s) sites? a. volcanic activity b. erosion c. natural processes through which soils are built up d. all of the above 10. Pedestrian survey is __________. a. high tech b. low tech c. both A and B d. neither A nor B 11. The remote sensing technique that is based upon the fact that the earth has a strong magnetic field that varies by what is beneath the ground is called __________. a. soil interface radar b. ground penetrating radar c. geomagnetic sensing d. excavation 12. Excavation has two goals: to find every scrap of evidence (or a statistically representative sample) about the past that a given site holds, and to __________. a. find the buried treasure there b. prove that evolution is a fact c. find the missing link d. record the horizontal and vertical location of that evidence with precision 13. Compared with paleoanthropologists, archaeologists are more concerned with recovering intact __________. a. features b. fossils c. Eco facts d. artifacts 14. Absolute dating is also called __________. a. relative dating b. chronometric dating c. correct dating d. stratigraphy dating 15. The complete analysis of every detail of a site, usually considered very destructive in nature, is called __________. a. excavation b. conservation c. reconstruction d. analysis. 16. The discovery of an area of hard, reddish, even slightly magnetic soil, often surrounded by charcoal and ash means the archaeologist has found __________. a. a pit b. a hearth c. a living floor d. an ancient grill 17. The comparison of individuals, families, households, communities, or districts is known as a(n) __________. a. within-culture comparison b. regional controlled comparison c. cross examination comparison d. cross-cultural comparison 18. The description and in-depth analysis of a culture or society is known as __________. a. ethnology b. participant observation c. ethnography d. fieldwork 19. Conclusions drawn from cross-cultural research can be applied to __________. a. only one society b. all societies c. the society from which the anthropologist comes d. academic circles 20. Ethnohistorical data consists of all of the following EXCEPT __________. a. accounts by explorers b. government documents c. a missionary’s account d. fossil evidence 21. The most well-known chronometric dating method is __________. a. stratigraphic dating b. Potassium-Argon dating c. radiocarbon dating d. fission-track dating 22. Potassium argon dating can be used to date samples from 5,000 years up to __________. a. 300,000 years old b. 3 million years old c. 30 million years old d. 3 billion years old 23. After about __________ years, the amount of 14C remaining in the organic matter is too small to permit reliable dating. a. 40,000 b. 5,000 c. 50,000 d. 100,000 24. _________ has been extremely useful in East Africa, where volcanic events have occurred frequently since the Miocene. a. Potassium-argon dating b. Uranium-series dating c. Paleomagnetic dating d. Fission-track dating 25. Radiocarbon has a half-life of __________. a. 2, 720 years b. 5, 730 years c. 75 years d. 7,500 years 26. A study based on descriptive materials about a single society at more than one point in time is known as __________. a. ethnology b. ethnography c. ethnohistory d. ethnoanthropology 27. An item of human manufacture that spread widely over short periods of time, or that disappeared or changed fairly rapidly is called a(n) __________. a. Eco fact b. artifact c. indicator artifact d. indicating stratum 28. A natural object that a human has used or affected is __________. a. an artifact b. an Eco fact c. a feature d. a fossil 29. All of the following are examples of fossils except __________. a. a tree root b. an impression of an insect on a stone c. an animal’s skeleton d. a wooden tool 30. Places where humans lived and worked which are usually full of minute pieces of garbage, such as seeds, small stone flakes or beads are known as __________. a. hearths b. pits c. living centers d. living floors 31. A type of site that allows archaeologists to distinguish the sequence of site occupations is called a(n) __________. a. stratified site b. living floor site c. taphonomic site d. informative site 32.__________ techniques allow archaeologists and paleoanthropologists to find archaeological deposits from an isolated location, attempting to detect subtle changes called __________. a. Remote control; anomalies b. Remote sensing; anomalies c. Isolation detection; strata d. Isolated sensing; stratification Essay Questions 33. List and discuss the differences between relative and absolute dating techniques. 34. List and compare/contrast the four kinds of evidence that archaeologists and paleoanthropologists use in learning about the past. 35. What can archaeologists learn from examining ceramics? 36. Discuss the two ways in which archaeologists find sites. 37. How does an archaeologist decide what method or methods of dating to use in specific cases? 38. Discuss several ways in which archaeological sites are created. 39. List some valuable information that paleoanthropologists can glean from fossils. 40. Provide an example and discussion of the importance of analyzing archaeological material in context. 41. How do archaeologists determine a living floor at an archaeological site? 42. Discuss several ethical dilemmas archaeologists may face. Multiple Choice Answer Key 1. d 2. b 3. d 4. b 5. d 6. d 7. a 8. a 9. d 10. b 11. c 12. d 13. a 14. b 15. a 16. b 17. a 18. c 19. b 20. d 21. c 22. d 23. c 24. a 25. b 26. c 27. c 28. b 29. a 30. d 31. a 32. b Essay Answer 33. Relative Dating: 1. Principle: Determines the order of events or objects, relative to one another. 2. Techniques: • Stratigraphy: Analyzing the layers of rock or soil. • Biostratigraphy: Using fossils to date rock layers. • Cross-cutting relationships: Identifying geological features that cut through others. 3. Limitations: Cannot provide exact ages; only indicates if one object or event is older or younger than another. Absolute Dating: 1. Principle: Provides a specific age or date range for an object or event. 2. Techniques: • Radiometric dating: Measuring radioactive decay (e.g., carbon dating, uranium-lead dating). • Dendrochronology: Counting tree rings. • Thermoluminescence: Measuring the last time an object was heated. 3. Accuracy: Can give precise dates, typically with a margin of error, depending on the method used. Relative dating is useful for understanding the sequence of events, while absolute dating is essential for determining actual chronological ages. 34. 1. Artifacts: • Definition: Objects made or modified by humans (e.g., tools, pottery). • Usage: Helps understand human technology, culture, and behavior. • Comparison: Direct evidence of human activity, unlike fossils. 2. Fossils: • Definition: Preserved remains or traces of organisms (e.g., bones, teeth). • Usage: Provides information on physical characteristics, diet, and evolution. • Comparison: Biological evidence, unlike artifacts which are cultural. 3. Eco facts: • Definition: Natural objects used by humans (e.g., seeds, bones). • Usage: Offers insights into diet, environment, and human interaction with nature. • Comparison: Naturally occurring, unlike artifacts which are human-made. 4. Features: • Definition: Non-movable evidence of human activity (e.g., hearths, post-holes). • Usage: Indicates spatial organization and usage of space. • Comparison: In-situ evidence, unlike portable artifacts and ecofacts. Contrast: • Artifacts vs. Fossils: Artifacts relate to cultural aspects, while fossils relate to biological aspects. • Ecofacts vs. Features: Ecofacts are portable and natural, while features are immovable structures. • All Evidence Types: Together, they provide a comprehensive view of past human life, encompassing both cultural and biological perspectives. 35. Archaeologists can learn about past cultures' daily life, trade, social structures, and technological advancements by examining ceramics. The style, decoration, and composition of ceramics can reveal information about cultural interactions, economic activities, dietary practices, and even social and political changes. 36. Archaeologists find sites through: 1. Surveying: Systematically examining the landscape using techniques such as fieldwalking, aerial photography, and remote sensing to identify potential archaeological sites based on visible features or anomalies. 2. Excavation: Conducting test digs or exploratory trenches in areas identified through surveys, historical records, or accidental discoveries to uncover buried artifacts and structures. 37. An archaeologist decides on dating methods based on the type of materials available, the site's context, and the desired precision. Factors include the material's suitability for specific dating techniques (e.g., radiocarbon dating for organic remains, dendrochronology for wood), the site's age range, and the archaeological questions being addressed. 38. Archaeological sites are created through: 1. Human Habitation: Settlements where people lived, worked, and discarded items. 2. Burial Practices: Cemeteries and tombs where individuals were interred. 3. Ritual Activities: Sacred or ceremonial sites used for religious purposes. 4. Disasters: Natural events like volcanic eruptions or floods that preserve sites. 5. Abandonment: Places left by inhabitants, often preserving their material culture. 6. Construction: Ruins of buildings, roads, or other structures built by past societies. 39. Paleoanthropologists can glean valuable information from fossils, including: 1. Anatomy and Morphology: Physical characteristics and structural details of ancient species. 2. Evolutionary Relationships: Links between species and the evolutionary lineage. 3. Behavioral Insights: Evidence of diet, locomotion, and social behavior. 4. Environmental Context: Climate and habitat conditions at the time the organism lived. 5. Age and Development: Growth patterns and life stages of ancient species. 6. Health and Disease: Pathological conditions and health status of ancient populations. 40. Example: The discovery of a pottery shard in an ancient settlement. Discussion: Analyzing the pottery shard in context (e.g., its location within a specific layer of a settlement, its association with other artifacts, and its position relative to structures) is crucial. This context can reveal its use, trade connections, technological development, and cultural practices. Without context, the shard is just an isolated artifact, but in context, it contributes to a broader understanding of the society that created and used it, helping archaeologists reconstruct the daily life, economy, and social structure of that ancient community. 41. Archaeologists determine a living floor at an archaeological site by identifying a distinct layer containing evidence of past human activity, such as hearths, postholes, artifacts (e.g., tools, pottery), and ecofacts (e.g., food remains). This layer often features a compacted surface or specific soil composition indicative of regular human use. 42. Archaeologists may face several ethical dilemmas, including: 1. Looting and Illegal Trade: Balancing the protection of sites against unauthorized excavations and the black market. 2. Indigenous Rights: Ensuring the respectful treatment of sacred sites and remains, and collaborating with descendant communities. 3. Artifact Repatriation: Deciding whether to return artifacts to their country of origin or community of descent. 4. Environmental Impact: Minimizing damage to the landscape and ecosystems during excavations. 5. Public Disclosure: Balancing the dissemination of findings with the risk of site exploitation or vandalism. 6. Commercial Interests: Navigating conflicts between archaeological integrity and funding sources with commercial motivations. CHAPTER 3: Genetics and Evolution Multiple Choice Questions 1. Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution suggests that _____________. a. different species develop one from another b. inheritance plays no role in evolution c. acquired characteristics are predominant in evolution d. evolution is a myth 2. The third principle of natural selection is ____________. a. biodiversity and heritability b. natural selection c. particular environment d. differential reproductive success 3. In 1859, Charles Darwin published ____________. a. The Origin of Species b. The Descent of Man c. The Voyage of the Beagle d. Fauna of the Galapagos Island 4. Gregor Mendel was a pioneer in the field of ____________. a. speciation b. rocket science c. chemistry d. genetics 5. If we think of the history of the universe in terms of 12 months, the history of human-like primates would have taken up _____________. a. only about one half hour b. only about three and a half hours c. only about two and a half hours d. only about one and a half hours 6. The concept of ____________ suggested that the earth is constantly subject to shaping and reshaping by natural forces working over vast stretches of time. a. species b. rocks c. geochemistry d. uniformitarianism 7. Natural selection proceeds ____________. a. never b. only when individuals within a population vary c. when Darwin says it does d. always very rapidly 8. _____________ involve the application of evolutionary principles to the behavior of animals. a. Sociobiology and behavioral ecology b. Biology and chemistry c. Anatomy and physiology d. Zoology and botany 9. ______________ is the exchange of sections of chromosomes between one chromosome and another. a. Segregation b. Speciation c. Mutation d. Crossing-over 10. ______________ is the development of a new species. a. Mutation b. Segregation c. Crossing-over d. Speciation 11. ______________ is a population that consists of organisms able to interbreed and produce fertile and viable offspring. a. Species b. Gene c. DNA d. RNA 12. ______________ is a change in the DNA sequence that can produce an altered gene. a. RNA b. Species c. Segregation d. Mutation 13. Mendel’s units of heredity were what we now call ____________. a. genes b. meiosis c. DNA d. mitosis 14. Messenger RNA is copied from a portion of ____________. a. DNA b. thymine c. uracil d. RNA 15. Each member of a gene pair or group is called _____________. a. a gene b. homozygous c. heterozygous d. an allele 16. The genes of higher organisms are located on rope like bodies called ____________. a. genes b. chromosomes c. RNA d. DNA 17. If the two genes—or alleles—for a trait are the same, the organism is __________. a. homozygous b. heterozygous c. an allele d. a genotype 18. A strong opponent of evolution was __________. a. Charles Darwin b. Thomas Huxley c. Georges Cuvier d. Charles Lyell 19. The main process that increases the frequency of adaptive traits through time is called __________. a. catastrophism b. natural selection c. creationism d. mutual adjustment 20. Which is not a type of natural selection? a. normalizing selection b. directional selection c. balancing selection d. selective selection 21. The observable appearance of a pea plant is called its __________. a. stereotype b. phenotype c. prototype d. genotype 22. The genetic makeup of a pea plant is called its __________. a. genotype b. stereotype c. phenotype d. prototype 23. If two genes—or alleles—for a trait are the same, the organism is ________ for the trait. a. heterozygous b. homozygous c. monozygous d. bizygous 24. Once the mRNA is released from the DNA, it travels out of the cell nucleus and attaches to the ________ in the body of the cell. a. lysosome b. Golgi body c. ribosome d. mitochondrion 25. The various random processes that affect gene frequencies in small, relatively isolated populations is called ________. a. hybridization b. mutation c. gene flow d. genetic drift 26. The variation in gene frequency from one end of a region to the other end is called a ___________. a. cline b. drift c. phenotype d. genotype 27. The creation of viable offspring from two different species is called __________. a. macroevolution b. sociobiology c. crossing-over d. hybridization 28. __________ is particularly interested in social organization and social behavior. a. Sociobiology b. Behavioral ecology c. Evolutionary psychology d. Segregation 29. Recent research on dogs suggests that some aspects of ________ in animals may be heritable. a. behavioral learning b. behavioral ecology c. sociobiology d. cultural learning 30. __________ comes from a recombination of learned behaviors and invention. a. Biological evolution b. Cultural evolution c. Speciation d. Hybridization Essay Questions 31. Briefly summarize speciation as it relates to Darwinian evolution. 32. What is genetic engineering? Why do some people fear the consequences of genetic engineering? 33. What is messenger RNA? How does it differ from DNA in the role it performs? 34. What is sociobiology? How does it explain the evolution of behavioral traits? 35. Why do many people see a conflict between religion and evolution? Do you see that same conflict? 36. Discuss the basic principles of natural selection. 37. What are the major sources of variability? How does each operate to produce modification in a population? 38. In what circumstances can natural selection be observed? What do these observations tell us about evolution? 39. In the 1930s and 1940s, scientists developed a synthetic theory of evolution. What are its major characteristics and how did this approach improve on earlier ones? 40. Why is the sociobiological approach so controversial? Multiple Choice Answer Key 1. a 2. d 3. a 4. d 5. d 6. d 7. b 8. a 9. d 10. d 11. a 12. d 13. a 14. a 15. d 16. b 17. a 18. c 19. b 20. d 21. b 22. a 23. b 24. c 25. d 26. a 27. d 28. a 29. d 30. b Essay Answer 31. Speciation in Darwinian evolution refers to the process by which new species arise from a common ancestor through the mechanisms of natural selection, genetic drift, and reproductive isolation. Over time, populations of a species that are geographically or reproductively isolated accumulate genetic differences, leading to the emergence of distinct species adapted to their specific environments. 32. Genetic engineering is the manipulation of an organism's DNA to alter its characteristics. This can involve adding, removing, or modifying genes. Some people fear the consequences of genetic engineering due to concerns about potential health risks, environmental impacts, ethical issues, and the possibility of unintended consequences that could arise from altering genetic material. 33. Messenger RNA (mRNA) is a type of RNA that carries genetic information from DNA to the ribosome, where proteins are synthesized. Unlike DNA, which stores genetic information in the nucleus, mRNA serves as a temporary copy that conveys the instructions for protein synthesis in the cytoplasm. 34. Sociobiology is the study of the biological basis of social behavior in animals and humans. It explains the evolution of behavioral traits through natural selection, suggesting that behaviors that increase an individual's reproductive success are more likely to be passed on to future generations. These traits are shaped by genetic and environmental factors to enhance survival and reproductive fitness. 35. Many people see a conflict between religion and evolution because evolution explains the diversity of life through natural processes over millions of years, while some religious beliefs involve creation by a divine being in a shorter time span. Whether there is a conflict can depend on personal interpretations and beliefs. Some individuals find ways to reconcile the two views, while others see them as fundamentally incompatible. My perspective is neutral; I aim to understand and present information on both sides without personal bias. 36. The basic principles of natural selection include: 1. Variation: Individuals within a species show variation in traits. 2. Inheritance: Traits can be passed from parents to offspring. 3. Differential Survival and Reproduction: Individuals with advantageous traits are more likely to survive and reproduce. 4. Adaptation: Over time, beneficial traits become more common in the population, leading to better adaptation to the environment. These principles drive the evolution of species by favoring traits that enhance survival and reproductive success. 37. The major sources of variability are: 1. Mutations: Random changes in DNA that introduce new genetic variations. 2. Gene Flow: Movement of genes between populations through migration, introducing new alleles. 3. Genetic Recombination: During sexual reproduction, the mixing of parental genes creates new gene combinations. 4. Genetic Drift: Random changes in allele frequencies, especially in small populations, that can lead to significant genetic shifts over time. Each source operates by introducing new genetic material or altering allele frequencies within a population, thereby contributing to genetic diversity and enabling adaptation to changing environments. 38. Natural selection can be observed in circumstances such as: 1. Antibiotic Resistance: Bacteria evolving resistance to antibiotics. 2. Peppered Moths: Changes in moth coloration due to industrial pollution. 3. Darwin's Finches: Beak size variations in finches adapting to different food sources. These observations demonstrate that natural selection acts on existing genetic variation, favoring traits that enhance survival and reproduction in specific environments. They provide concrete evidence of evolution in action, showing how species adapt over time. 39. The synthetic theory of evolution, also known as the modern synthesis, integrates Darwinian natural selection with Mendelian genetics. Its major characteristics include: 1. Gene Pools: Focus on populations as units of evolution. 2. Genetic Variation: Importance of genetic diversity and mutation as sources of variation. 3. Selection: Natural selection acting on genetic variation. 4. Gene Flow: Movement of genes between populations. 5. Genetic Drift: Role of random changes in allele frequencies. 6. Speciation: Processes leading to the formation of new species. This approach improved on earlier ones by combining insights from genetics, paleontology, systematics, and other fields, providing a comprehensive understanding of how evolutionary processes work at both micro and macro levels. 40. The sociobiological approach is controversial because it suggests that many human behaviors, including social behaviors, have a genetic basis shaped by evolution. Critics argue that this perspective can be overly deterministic, potentially downplaying the influence of culture, environment, and individual choice. Additionally, there are ethical concerns about justifying social inequalities or behaviors as "natural" or biologically inevitable, leading to debates about the implications for understanding human nature and society. Test Bank for Human Evolution and Culture: Highlights of Anthropology Carol R. Ember, Melvin R. Ember, Peter N. Peregrine 9780205924776, 9780205232390, 9780136036357, 9780133976069
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