Introduction to Anthropology

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Questions and Answers

Which branch of anthropology primarily studies the physical and biological aspects of humans?

  • Physical Anthropology (correct)
  • Cultural Anthropology
  • Archaeology
  • Linguistic Anthropology

Cultural anthropology focuses on the study of past peoples and cultures by excavating and analyzing material remains.

False (B)

Match the anthropologist with their major contribution or area of study.

Donald Johanson = Discovery of 'Lucy', an early hominin fossil Raymond Dart = Discovery of the Taung Child, an early hominin fossil The Leakey Family = Extensive research in East Africa, uncovering numerous hominin fossils Charles Darwin = Theory of evolution by natural selection

Define bipedalism and explain its significance in human evolution.

<p>Bipedalism is the ability to walk upright on two legs. It is significant because it freed the hands for tool use and carrying objects, and it provided a better view of the surroundings.</p>
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Which of the following is a key focus of primatology?

<p>Studying non-human primates (A)</p>
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Ethnocentrism is the belief that one's own culture is superior to others.

<p>True (A)</p>
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__________ is the understanding that a person's beliefs, values, and practices should be understood based on that person's own culture, rather than be judged against the criteria of another.

<p>Cultural Relativism</p>
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Explain the difference between physical and cultural anthropology.

<p>Physical anthropology studies human biological and physical characteristics, while cultural anthropology studies human societies and cultures.</p>
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What is the significance of 'Lucy' in the study of human evolution?

<p>She was a well-preserved hominin fossil providing insights into early bipedalism. (C)</p>
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Universalism in anthropology suggests that all cultures are completely unique and incomparable.

<p>False (B)</p>
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Match the 'Trimate' with their respective primate research focus:

<p>Jane Goodall = Chimpanzees Dian Fossey = Gorillas Biruté Galdikas = Orangutans</p>
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Describe two key characteristics that differentiate humans from other primates.

<p>Humans have advanced bipedalism and complex language abilities, whereas other primates don't have the same degree of these characteristics.</p>
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What is 'Neo-evolution' or 'Self-directed evolution' primarily concerned with?

<p>Cultural and technological advancements influencing human evolution (B)</p>
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Kanzi is a famous anthropologist known for their work on primate behavior.

<p>False (B)</p>
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__________ is an approach that emphasizes the importance of studying each culture in its own terms rather than generalizing about all cultures.

<p>Cultural Relativism</p>
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How did Franz Boas contribute to the field of anthropology?

<p>Franz Boas promoted cultural relativism and argued against ethnocentric views, emphasizing the importance of understanding each culture in its own context.</p>
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What was Margaret Mead known for in her anthropological research?

<p>Exploring cultural practices in different societies, including adolescence in Samoa (D)</p>
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Charles Darwin's work is not relevant to anthropology, as his theories only pertain to biological evolution.

<p>False (B)</p>
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__________ focuses on the study of past peoples and cultures by excavating and analyzing material remains.

<p>Archaeology</p>
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Match the anthropological school of thought with its key focus:

<p>Cultural Evolutionism = Societies progress through stages Historical Particularism = Each culture is unique with its own history Functionalism = Social institutions serve specific functions</p>
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Flashcards

Anthropology

The study of humans, past and present. It draws upon social sciences, humanities, and natural sciences.

Physical Anthropology

Focuses on the biological and behavioral aspects of humans, their extinct hominin ancestors, and related non-human primates.

Cultural Anthropology

Explores cultural diversity, examining the beliefs, practices, and social structures of human societies.

Bipedalism

The ability to walk upright on two legs.

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Primatology

Comparing human behavior to non-human primates to provide a frame of reference.

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Cultural Relativism

The idea that all cultures are equally valid and should be understood in their own terms.

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Ethnocentrism

The tendency to view one's own culture as superior and to apply its values when judging other cultures.

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Universalism

The concept that all humans belong to a single, common species.

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Charles Darwin

The scientist who developed the theory of evolution by natural selection.

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Kanzi

A bonobo that demonstrated an understanding of language and symbol use.

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Lucy

An early hominin fossil discovered in Ethiopia. One of the most complete hominin fossils ever found.

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Margaret Mead

American cultural anthropologist. Studied the peoples of Oceania and Southeast Asia.

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Raymond Dart

The man responsible for discovering the Taung Child fossil.

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The Leakey Family

He excavated at Olduvai Gorge and Laetoli, uncovering numerous hominin remains and stone tools.

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Franz Boas

An Austro-Hungarian-American anthropologist and a pioneer of modern anthropology. Argued for historical particularism

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Neo-evolution

The perspective that humans can consciously direct their own evolutionary pathways.

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The Trimates

Group of famous female primatologists who studied primates in their natural habitats.

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Study Notes

  • Anthropology has different branches that study various aspects of humanity.

Human Characteristics

  • Humans possess unique characteristics that distinguish them from other species.

Physical vs Cultural Anthropology

  • Physical anthropology focuses on the biological and evolutionary aspects of humans.
  • Cultural anthropology explores the cultural and social aspects of human societies.
  • Anthropology is holistic because it combines multiple approaches to the study of humans.

Lucy

  • Lucy is a famous hominin fossil, specifically an Australopithecus afarensis.

Characteristics of Primates

  • Primates share characteristics such as grasping hands and feet.
  • Primates have forward-facing eyes, and relatively large brains

Donald Johanson

  • Donald Johanson is an anthropologist known for his discovery of Lucy.

Raymond Dart

  • Raymond Dart is an anthropologist famous for discovering the Taung Child, an early hominin fossil.

The Leakey Family

  • The Leakey family is a prominent family of anthropologists and paleontologists.
  • The Leakey's made significant contributions to the understanding of human evolution in Africa.

Bipedalism

  • Bipedalism is a key adaptation in human evolution.
  • Bipedalism involves walking on two legs.

The Trimates

  • The Trimates include Jane Goodall, Biruté Galdikas, and Dian Fossey.
  • The Trimates are known for their long-term studies of primates in their natural habitats.

Humans VS Primates

  • Humans have larger brains and more complex cognitive abilities than other primates.
  • Humans exhibit advanced cultural and social behaviors compared to primates.

Kanzi

  • Kanzi is a bonobo that has demonstrated advanced language abilities.
  • Kanzi challenges assumptions about primate intelligence and communication.

Primatology

  • Primatology is the study of primates, including their behavior, ecology, and evolution.

Neo-evolution/Self-directed evolution

  • Neo-evolution is a perspective that emphasizes the role of culture and technology in shaping human evolution.
  • Self-directed evolution suggests that humans actively shape their own evolutionary trajectory through culture and technology.

Universalism

  • Universalism is the idea that there are universal features in human cultures.

Charles Darwin

  • Charles Darwin is known for his theory of evolution by natural selection.

Ethnocentrism

  • Ethnocentrism is the tendency to view one's own culture as superior and to judge other cultures based on that standard.

Franz Boas

  • Franz Boas is considered the father of American anthropology.
  • Boas advocated for cultural relativism and challenged ethnocentric views.

Margaret Mead

  • Margaret Mead was a cultural anthropologist known for her studies of adolescence and gender roles in different cultures.

Cultural Relativism

  • Cultural relativism is the principle that cultures should be understood and evaluated in their own terms, without judgment based on external standards.

Anthropological Schools of Thought

  • Anthropology encompasses various schools of thought, each with its own theoretical framework and approach to studying humanity.

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