Question 1

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

A)   Apes were present in Tanzania
B)   hominins walked bipedally
C)   modern day Tanzania continues to be a savanna environment
D)   hominins traveled in small groups
E)   Tanzania is 3.7 million years old B

Question 2

Discuss the role of the scientific method in physical anthropology.

Accepted Answer

The scientific method plays a crucial role in physical anthropology as it provides a systematic and objective approach to studying human biological and evolutionary processes. By following the scientific method, physical anthropologists can formulate hypotheses, conduct experiments and observations, analyze data, and draw conclusions based on evidence.

One of the key aspects of the scientific method in physical anthropology is the emphasis on empirical evidence. This means that researchers rely on observable and measurable data to support their hypotheses and theories. Through the use of techniques such as DNA analysis, skeletal morphology, and comparative anatomy, physical anthropologists can gather empirical evidence to study human variation, evolution, and adaptation.

Additionally, the scientific method in physical anthropology promotes critical thinking and skepticism. Researchers are encouraged to question existing theories and hypotheses, and to constantly seek new evidence to support or refute their ideas. This approach helps to ensure that the field of physical anthropology remains dynamic and open to new discoveries.

Furthermore, the scientific method in physical anthropology also involves peer review and replication of studies. This means that research findings are subject to scrutiny by other experts in the field, and that studies must be replicable in order to be considered valid. This process helps to maintain the rigor and reliability of research in physical anthropology.

In summary, the scientific method is essential in physical anthropology as it provides a framework for conducting rigorous and objective research. By following this method, physical anthropologists can contribute to our understanding of human biological and evolutionary processes in a systematic and evidence-based manner.

Question 3

The term evolution refers to

Accepted Answer

A)   changes in the genetic make-up of a population from one generation to the next
B)   the process of specialization
C)   includes genetic changes within populations and but not the appearance of new species
D)   a response of organisms or populations to the environment
E)   patterns of inheritance of traits from parent to offspring A

Question 4

Which of the following does not apply to theories

Accepted Answer

A)   Tested explanations of facts
B)   Usually concerned with broader and more universal views
C)   Not absolutes and open for falsification
D)   Specific statements of scientific relationships that have not been verified
E)   The result of repeated testing

Question 5

Which of the following includes genetic-alterations within populations?

Accepted Answer

A)   macroevolution
B)   anatomy
C)   osteology
D)   paleopathology
E)   microevolution

Question 6

Human evolution

Accepted Answer

A)   is not subject to the same factors that have produced other species
B)   has been the result of cultural factors alone
C)   is subject to the same forces that have acted upon other organisms
D)   has not been influenced by cultural factors
E)   is solely the result of cultural factors

Question 7

Briefly differentiate between archaeology and cultural anthropology.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Briefly differentiate between archaeology and cultural anthropology....

Question 8

Define the term biocultural evolution.

Accepted Answer

The answer of Define the term biocultural evolution....

Question 9

The human predisposition to assimilate culture and function within it is profoundly influenced by biological factors.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 10

What does the term biocultural evolution refer to?

Accepted Answer

A)   biological changes in a species over time
B)   changes in human culture from generation to generation
C)   the interaction between biology and culture in human evolution
D)   biological evolution in all species except humans
E)   the influence of genetic engineering on culture

Question 11

Anthropology can be applied to practical issues outside the university setting.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 12

Forensic anthropology is an applied subfield which benefits from a background in physical anthropology.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 13

_______ focuses on the study of skeletal remains from archaeological sites.

Accepted Answer

A)   osteology
B)   bioarchaeology
C)   paleopathology
D)   forensic anthropology
E)   primate paleontology

Question 14

Which is not an important aspect of human culture?

Accepted Answer

A)   It is learned.
B)   It includes such things as technology, language, religion, and gender roles.
C)   It is genetically determined.
D)   It is a critical role in human evolution.
E)   It is a strategy that includes various technologies, but fortunately excludes language and kinship rules which are always changing.

Question 15

All cultures share the same worldview.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 16

The focus of anthropology is very narrow and has only two subfields.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 17

The 3.7 million year old footprints of two hominids were discovered in a riverbed in Texas.

Accepted Answer

A) True 
 B)False

Question 18

What is a hypothesis?

Accepted Answer

A)   It is a statement that has been proven to be true.
B)   It is equivalent to a theory.
C)   It is a provisional statement regarding certain scientific facts or observations.
D)   It is proof of a theory.
E)   It is a fact from which conclusions can be drawn.

Question 19

Why is the field of genetics central to the field of physical anthropology?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why is the field of genetics central...

Question 20

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

Accepted Answer

A)   the study of subcultures
B)   the resettlement of refugees
C)   the relationship between cultural attributes and health and disease
D)   the study of their own cultures
E)   the study of city or urban areas that are no longer remote

Exam 1: Introduction to Physical Anthropology

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

Discuss the role of the scientific method in physical anthropology.

The term evolution refers to

Which of the following does not apply to theories

Which of the following includes genetic-alterations within populations?

Human evolution

Briefly differentiate between archaeology and cultural anthropology.

Define the term biocultural evolution.

The human predisposition to assimilate culture and function within it is profoundly influenced by biological factors.

What does the term biocultural evolution refer to?

Anthropology can be applied to practical issues outside the university setting.

Forensic anthropology is an applied subfield which benefits from a background in physical anthropology.

_______ focuses on the study of skeletal remains from archaeological sites.

Which is not an important aspect of human culture?

All cultures share the same worldview.

The focus of anthropology is very narrow and has only two subfields.

The 3.7 million year old footprints of two hominids were discovered in a riverbed in Texas.

What is a hypothesis?

Why is the field of genetics central to the field of physical anthropology?

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