Question 1

.Discuss the two western "intellectual traditions" in terms of how each views biology, language, and culture and how each explains scientific findings.

Accepted Answer

The two western "intellectual traditions" that can be discussed in terms of their views on biology, language, and culture are the rationalist tradition and the empiricist tradition.

The rationalist tradition, which can be traced back to philosophers like Plato and Descartes, emphasizes the role of reason and innate ideas in understanding the world. In terms of biology, the rationalist tradition may view the human body as a product of a pre-existing, rational design. Language is seen as a reflection of innate cognitive structures, and culture is seen as a product of universal principles of reason. Scientific findings are explained through the use of deductive reasoning and the application of a priori knowledge.

On the other hand, the empiricist tradition, which can be traced back to philosophers like Locke and Hume, emphasizes the role of sensory experience and observation in understanding the world. In terms of biology, the empiricist tradition may view the human body as a product of environmental influences and adaptation. Language is seen as a product of social interaction and learning, and culture is seen as a product of historical and social contingencies. Scientific findings are explained through the use of inductive reasoning and the accumulation of empirical evidence.

In summary, the rationalist tradition tends to view biology, language, and culture as products of innate, rational principles, while the empiricist tradition tends to view them as products of sensory experience and social interaction. These differing views have implications for how each tradition explains scientific findings, with the rationalist tradition emphasizing deductive reasoning and a priori knowledge, and the empiricist tradition emphasizing inductive reasoning and empirical evidence.

Question 2

Connect these appropriate words as used by anthropologists: truth, proof, knowledge, data.

Accepted Answer

Anthropologists, like many other scientists and scholars, seek to understand the complexities of human societies, cultures, and behaviors. In their research and analysis, they often use a process that connects the concepts of data, knowledge, truth, and proof in a logical sequence to build a comprehensive understanding of the subject at hand. Here's how these terms are typically connected in the context of anthropological research:

1. **Data**: Anthropologists begin their work with the collection of data. This data can come from a variety of sources, including fieldwork observations, interviews, surveys, artifacts, historical documents, and other records. Data represents the raw information and evidence that researchers gather about the world.

2. **Knowledge**: Once data is collected, anthropologists analyze and interpret it to generate knowledge. Knowledge is the understanding and insights that researchers develop as they make sense of the data. This involves identifying patterns, making comparisons, and considering the context in which the data was collected. Knowledge is a constructed understanding that is informed by the data and the theoretical frameworks that anthropologists use.

3. **Truth**: The concept of truth in anthropology is often complex and contested. Anthropologists recognize that what may be considered true can vary greatly across different cultures and contexts. Truth is not an absolute in anthropology but is seen as a construct that is shaped by cultural, social, and individual perspectives. When anthropologists talk about truth, they are often referring to the interpretations and conclusions that are supported by the evidence and are consistent with the knowledge they have constructed.

4. **Proof**: Proof in anthropology is not the same as in the natural sciences, where proof might mean a definitive demonstration that a certain fact or principle is universally true. Instead, proof in anthropology refers to the support for a particular interpretation or theory that comes from a coherent and convincing body of data and analysis. It is the degree to which the knowledge produced by anthropologists can be justified and defended based on the evidence available.

Connecting these words, we can say that anthropologists collect data to build knowledge, which they use to discuss concepts of truth within cultural contexts. Proof, then, is the support for the knowledge claims they make, based on the data and their interpretations. Each of these steps is crucial in the anthropological process of understanding and explaining human behavior and culture.

Question 3

Discuss the process of fossilization and comment on the variability factors in the process.

Accepted Answer

Fossilization is the process by which organic material is preserved in the form of a fossil. It begins with the death of an organism, followed by the rapid burial of the remains in sediment. Over time, the organic material is replaced by minerals, resulting in a fossil that can be preserved for millions of years.

The process of fossilization can vary depending on a number of factors. One of the most important factors is the type of organism involved. For example, soft-bodied organisms are less likely to fossilize than those with hard shells or skeletons. The environment in which the organism lived and died also plays a role, as rapid burial in sediment is necessary for fossilization to occur. The type of sediment and the presence of water and minerals in the surrounding environment can also affect the fossilization process.

Other factors that can impact fossilization include the presence of scavengers or decomposers that may destroy the remains before they can be fossilized, as well as the presence of bacteria and other microorganisms that can break down organic material. Additionally, geological processes such as erosion and tectonic activity can impact the preservation of fossils over time.

Overall, the process of fossilization is complex and can be influenced by a variety of factors. This variability is one of the reasons why the fossil record is not complete, and why certain types of organisms are more commonly found as fossils than others.

Question 4

Using ancient DNA to date bones has numerous problems, including ALL BUT which of these? It

Accepted Answer

A)   is expensive
B)   is easily contaminated
C)   has been found to be 30% inaccurate
D)   can be altered by chemicals in the ground

Question 5

Make up a hypothesis about the materials used to make the desk you are sitting at. Using TSM, how would you go about testing that hypothesis? Be specific.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Make up a hypothesis about the materials...

Question 6

Since DNA is easily preserved, it has become the "data of choice" for bioanthropologists.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 7

Discuss the new hypothesis about Venus statuettes: what is it, how was it tested, and with what results?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss the new hypothesis about Venus statuettes:...

Question 8

Why does Jon Miller believe most Americans do not believe in evolution? Do you agree with him? Explain.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why does Jon Miller believe most Americans...

Question 9

"Venus figurines" have always been hypothesized to be connected to fertility.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

When should bioanthropologists use molecular dating?

Accepted Answer

The answer of When should bioanthropologists use molecular dating?...

Question 11

Discuss science, religion, and common sense in your life: what is each based on and how are they different?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Discuss science, religion, and common sense in...

Question 12

How has molecular genetics fit into a field that was basically built on studying fossils?

Accepted Answer

The answer of How has molecular genetics fit into a...

Exam 2: Theories and Methods in Studying Biological Anthropology