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Questions and Answers

Which scientist is credited with coining the term "invertebrate"?

  • Carl Linnaeus
  • Jean-Baptiste Lamarck (correct)
  • Georges Cuvier
  • Sir Joseph Banks

What was the primary argument made by Georges Cuvier against the theories of evolution?

  • He believed that individuals inherited traits acquired during their lifetimes.
  • He proposed that major changes in species occurred due to catastrophic events. (correct)
  • He argued that the environment directly influenced the development of organisms.
  • He believed that species were degenerating, becoming worse over time.

Which of the following correctly describes the contribution of Sir Joseph Banks to the field of natural sciences?

  • He sailed with James Cook on the HMS Endeavor, collecting specimens and studying diverse flora and fauna. (correct)
  • He developed the concept of 'transformisme' explaining how species change over time.
  • He established the modern classification system for plants and animals.
  • He argued that living things were degenerating, becoming less perfect than they were originally designed by God.

What was Carl Linnaeus's primary contribution to the field of natural science?

<p>He established the binomial system of classification, naming species using two words. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary difference between the views of Buffon and Lamarck regarding the change in species over time?

<p>Buffon believed that species were becoming more complex, while Lamarck believed they were degenerating. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary focus of sexual selection in animals?

<p>Differences in male traits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does rarity affect species adaptation according to the content?

<p>Rarity is a precursor for extinction (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Darwin reject regarding the nature of species?

<p>Species have unchanging essences (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant barriers to accepting evolution in earlier times?

<p>Socio-political ideologies and fundamentalism (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'teleology' refer to in the context of Darwin's work?

<p>The belief that evolutionary changes are driven by purpose or design (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What critique did Gould and Lewontin raise against the adaptationist program?

<p>It does not analyze organisms as a whole (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did Darwin's ideas regarding common descent impact the understanding of species hierarchy?

<p>It connected the findings of comparative anatomists to a lineage (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant consequence of the struggle for survival observed in closely related species?

<p>Development of unique structural traits (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best reflects Darwin's views on the concept of laws in nature?

<p>Darwin viewed laws in nature as concepts with exceptions (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What observation led Darwin to conclude that new species are derived from common ancestors?

<p>Diversity in form and function among species (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept describes the phenomenon where organisms develop traits without direct selection for those traits?

<p>Decoupling of selection and adaptation (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects how evolution occurs?

<p>Reproduction is the key factor in passing genes to the next generation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does 'microevolution' refer to in the context of evolutionary biology?

<p>How a single species responds to environmental changes (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following describes a misconception about how traits are inherited in evolution?

<p>All acquired traits are passed down to offspring. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Darwin's observations during the HMS Beagle voyage primarily influence in his theory of evolution?

<p>The idea of descent with modification (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main idea behind 'survival of the fittest' as it relates to natural selection?

<p>Fitness is defined by an organism's ability to reproduce. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does adaptation relate to traits that arise during an organism's development?

<p>Phenotypic plasticity permits organisms to adjust their forms based on circumstances. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which statement correctly identifies a hierarchical level of adaptation?

<p>Physiological adaptations may not be heritable. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What significant aspect of Darwin's theory did Wallace contribute to?

<p>Natural selection driven by limited resources (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What aspect of evolutionary theory did Darwin acknowledge he did not thoroughly understand?

<p>How traits were inherited (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept related to genetics did Francis Galton formalize?

<p>Eugenics (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the significant impacts of eugenics policies in the United States?

<p>Forced sterilization of certain groups (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which scientist effectively founded the field of population genetics?

<p>Ronald Fisher (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about Darwin's views is true?

<p>He was an abolitionist. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was JBS Haldane's stance on eugenics?

<p>He argued against eugenics on both scientific and political grounds. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which political view is associated with Ronald Fisher's opinions on eugenics?

<p>Support for the Nazi eugenics policies (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the quote 'Race as biology is fiction, racism as a social problem is real' imply?

<p>Race has no biological basis but racism is a serious issue. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason why the political views of historical scientists should be included in their scientific education?

<p>They can create a comprehensive understanding of their work. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Darwin suggest about the inheritance of structural deviations in organisms?

<p>Both strange and common deviations may be inheritable. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Darwin view the reversion of domestic varieties when exposed to wild conditions?

<p>They often revert to their aboriginal stocks. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a key factor in determining if varieties become distinct species according to Darwin?

<p>Natural selection of profitable variations. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the implication of Darwin's belief regarding domestic dogs and their ancestors?

<p>Different dog breeds descended from multiple wild species. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

According to Darwin, what results from the repeated breeding of the best stock?

<p>It leads to an unconscious modification of the breed. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What argument does Darwin make about 'uncivilized' men and their agricultural practices?

<p>They lack the knowledge to cultivate useful plants. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one challenge Darwin notes in defining species and varieties?

<p>The terms species and variety are arbitrary and often overlap. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

When discussing the struggle for existence, what does Darwin imply about offspring survival?

<p>Many offspring are produced to counteract high mortality rates. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

In what context does Darwin discuss the 'Savages' with regard to dog breeding?

<p>They selectively breed dogs for physical appearance. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does Darwin imply about the competition between species of the same genus?

<p>The competition is most intense due to similarities. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did Darwin believe was the role of sexual selection in the evolution of species?

<p>It shapes traits that are favorable to attracting mates. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is one reason Darwin gives for why species may not become distinct?

<p>They are too similar and compete for the same resources. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Darwin characterize monstrosities in relation to species?

<p>They are random deviations, not useful to species. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does Darwin reflect on the influence of civilized practices on plant species?

<p>Cultivated plants in civilization reach a high standard due to selection. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What are Rh antigens primarily responsible for in blood types?

<p>The positive or negative designation of blood types (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What complication can arise during pregnancy involving Rh blood types?

<p>Risk of hemolytic disease in the newborn (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these statements is true regarding Neanderthals and their blood types?

<p>Neanderthals have an Rh blood group that is rare in modern humans. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What historical concept emerged from colonialism and oppression according to discussions of race?

<p>Race as a social construct (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a significant misconception regarding genetic variability and race?

<p>Genetic variability aligns well with socially-defined racial groups. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does the evolution of Neanderthal red blood cells compare to that of modern humans?

<p>Neanderthal red blood cells evolved very little over time due to relative isolation. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What consequence does the concept of race have that is acknowledged in biological anthropology?

<p>It leads to discrimination in healthcare access. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Who challenged the early eugenics movement and its ties to physical anthropology?

<p>Franz Boas (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Why did eugenics lose support after World War II?

<p>There was a shift towards a more inclusive understanding of human variation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is a common misconception about ancestry tests?

<p>They oversimplify and misrepresent human genetic history. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What theory is often associated with social Darwinism and eugenics?

<p>Survival of the fittest justifies social inequality. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What role has biological anthropology been suggested to play in addressing issues of race and racism?

<p>To engage critically with the intersections of biology and social constructs. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does phenotypic variation in humans indicate about human populations?

<p>Phenotypes vary clinally across geographic spaces. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How did racism historically influence the field of biological anthropology?

<p>It perpetuated inaccurate ideas about human variation. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

How does genetic drift primarily affect populations?

<p>It changes gene frequency randomly. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What concept did Wallace urge Darwin to adopt in relation to natural selection?

<p>Survival of the fittest (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What does the germ plasm theory proposed by August Weismann state?

<p>Only germ cells participate in inheritance. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which British biologist was known for their opposition to Darwin's theories?

<p>Richard Owen (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What fundamental concept involves the belief that organisms evolve with a predetermined goal?

<p>Orthogenesis (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes eugenics during the 19th century?

<p>A social movement advocating for population improvement. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What distinguishes the adaptationist programme from Darwinian evolution?

<p>Faith in natural selection as the only driver of traits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What mechanism of evolution does genetic drift represent?

<p>Random chance changes (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements best reflects the essence of social Darwinism?

<p>Survival of the fittest applies to societal conditions. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What did the study of Neanderthal blood types suggest about early human migrations?

<p>Neanderthals had harmful blood groups affecting reproduction. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following thinkers, mentioned in the provided text, believed species emerged in a sequential manner, rather than all at once?

<p>Augustine of Hippo (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Buffon rejected the idea that quadrupeds might have descended from a single stem due to his belief that:

<p>Species were distinct from the beginning because hybrids are infertile. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main criticisms Buffon levelled against Linnaeus's classification system?

<p>It was too abstract and did not take into account the historical relationships between species. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following thinkers proposed that life originated through spontaneous generation and subsequently developed from simple microscopic forms?

<p>Lamarck (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Al Jahiz's ideas about evolution differed from the prevailing Western views at the time in that he emphasized the role of:

<p>The environment in driving natural selection and the struggle for survival. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following concepts is NOT found in the ideas of the Ikhwan Al-Safa?

<p>The inheritance of acquired characteristics. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these thinkers proposed that humans evolved from other animals, with the main difference being their intelligence, which was a gift from God?

<p>Ibn Miskawayh (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The idea that organisms can change according to environmental conditions, known as hereditary variability, was proposed by:

<p>Tusi (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these thinkers introduced two distinct meanings of species, one based on defining properties and another based on historical lineage?

<p>Buffon (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these theories is most closely associated with the concept of 'degeneration of forms' in response to environmental conditions?

<p>Buffon's transformism (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The influence of Buffon's work was limited in the English-speaking world because:

<p>His work was not translated into English until the 21st century. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The ‘Great Chain of Being’, as depicted in the ‘Crash Course’ video referenced in the text, differed from earlier ideas about the order of life by:

<p>Excluding the element of time, implying a static and unchanging hierarchy of life. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT a key question raised by discussions about evolution and religion?

<p>What is the role of human intelligence in the grand scheme of evolution? (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following thinkers did NOT directly contribute to the idea that humans are the most perfect creatures in the natural world?

<p>Al Jahiz (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

The text mentions a connection between socio-political ideologies and scientific ideas. Which of these pairings best represents this connection?

<p>Buffon's transformism and the French Revolution. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these concepts is most accurately described as a key underlying cause of the 'species problem' mentioned in the text?

<p>The conflict between defining species based on properties and lineage. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Carl Woese's significant contribution to our understanding of life?

<p>He discovered Archaea, a new domain of life distinct from Bacteria and Eukaryotes. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the 'minimum genome' concept in evolutionary research?

<p>The smallest possible number of genes needed to produce a functioning organism. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT a proposed characteristic of the last universal common ancestor (Luca)?

<p>The ability to create complex proteins and structures. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main evidence supporting the recent proposal to merge Archaea with Eukarya?

<p>Archaea are more closely related to Eukarya than to Bacteria in terms of gene structure and function. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Anaximander's significant contribution to the development of evolutionary thought?

<p>He proposed that humans and other animals evolved from a common ancestor, possibly fish. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of Plato's view on species?

<p>Species can undergo gradual change over time. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Aristotle's primary contribution to the study of natural history?

<p>He organized organisms into a hierarchical system based on structural similarities, known as the 'Scala naturae'. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following Muslim scholars was NOT known for their contributions to evolutionary thought?

<p>Ibn Sina (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Al Jahiz's main contribution to evolutionary thought?

<p>He emphasized the role of environment in shaping the evolution of human traits. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Ibn Khaldun's main contribution to evolutionary thought?

<p>He proposed a step-by-step process of human evolution from other animals. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Li Shih-Chen's main contribution to evolutionary thought (and the study of natural history)?

<p>He described artificial selection and the heritability of traits within domestic organisms. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements regarding Carolus Linnaeus's contributions is TRUE?

<p>He developed a hierarchical classification system for organisms based on physical similarities. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements accurately reflects Buffon's view of species change?

<p>Species only undergo minor changes in response to new environments. (B)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What was Lamarck's key proposal regarding evolution?

<p>Species change through the inheritance of acquired characteristics. (A)</p> Signup and view all the answers

What is the main difference between Darwin's and Lamarck's theories of evolution?

<p>Lamarck proposed inheritance of acquired characteristics, while Darwin believed in natural selection. (C)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Which of these is NOT an example of how Darwin used evidence from domesticated animals and plants to support his theory of natural selection?

<p>The fact that domesticated animals and plants often possess traits that are not beneficial in the wild supports the idea of natural selection favoring traits that increase survival and reproduction in specific environments. (D)</p> Signup and view all the answers

Flashcards

Carl Linnaeus

A botanist who developed the binomial nomenclature system for classifying species.

Binomial System

A two-part naming system for species created by Linnaeus, consisting of genus and species.

Transformism

The idea that species change over time, proposed by Lamarck against Linnaeus's beliefs.

Buffon's Degeneration Theory

Buffon believed living things were degenerated from a perfect form designed by God.

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Cuvier's Catastrophism

Cuvier's theory that major changes in species result from catastrophic events, not gradual evolution.

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Proseminar in Biological Anthropology

An introductory course exploring human evolution and environmental impact.

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Evolutionary Theory

The scientific explanation of the descent of species over time through natural selection.

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Role of Environment

The influence of surroundings on the evolution and adaptation of species.

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Buffon's View on Species

Buffon suggested species might arise from a single stem, yet argued they must be distinct.

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Linnaean Classification

A system for classifying organisms based on shared characteristics.

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Inheritance of Acquired Traits

The theory that organisms can pass on characteristics acquired during their lifetime.

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Species Problem

The ongoing debate about how to define and classify species.

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Malik et al.

A reference pointing to diverse histories of evolutionary thought and sociopolitical influences.

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Al Jahiz's Theory

An early natural selection idea emphasizing survival of the fittest within species.

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Hereditary Variability

The concept that organisms can change according to their environment.

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Great Chain of Being

A hierarchical structure of all matter and life, with no time element.

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Environmental Conditions and Skin Color

The idea that skin color variation is influenced by environmental factors.

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Debate in Biological Anthropology

Structured group discussions analyzing conflicting viewpoints in bio anthro.

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Final Examination Format

A take-home exam consisting of five short essay questions.

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Natural Selection

The process where organisms better adapted to their environment tend to survive and produce more offspring.

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Sexual Selection

A type of natural selection where individuals with certain traits are more likely to find mates and reproduce.

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Common Descent

The theory that all living organisms share a common ancestor.

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Diversification of Structure

Variations in anatomical features among organisms leading to distinct species.

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Patriarchal Bias in Selection

The assumption that male traits dominate in sexual selection, potentially ignoring female influence.

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Essentialism

The belief that species have an unchanging essence or fixed characteristics.

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Finalism

The belief that there is a purpose or end goal in evolution, contrary to Darwin's views on random mutations.

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Adaptationist Programme

A model that analyzes traits in terms of their functional roles, often critiquing it for oversimplification.

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Historical Narratives in Science

Refers to constructing understandings of scientific pasts based on observations, since direct observation is impossible.

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Mutations and Natural Laws

Darwin viewed mutations as changes due to observable causes, not random occurrences as later suggested by other scientists.

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Alternatives to adaptation

Concepts suggesting methods of change that do not rely on direct adaptation, like drift or historical factors.

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Phenotypic plasticity

The ability of an organism to change its physical form in response to environmental factors during its development.

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Cultural adaptation

The heritable form of non-Darwinian adaptation where behaviors and practices pass through generations.

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Survival of the fittest

The concept that evolutionary fitness is based on an individual's suitability to its environment, influencing reproductive success.

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Blind evolution

The idea that evolution occurs without a purpose or direction, often leading to advantageous traits by chance.

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Microevolution

Small evolutionary changes within a species in response to changes in the environment over time.

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Macroevolution

Large-scale evolutionary changes that occur over long periods of time, leading to the emergence of new species.

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Descent with modification

The principle that species evolve over time through changes in their traits and genetic material.

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Wallace's line

A boundary line that separates species with Asian and Australian affinities, highlighting biogeographic patterns.

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Genetic Drift

Random changes in gene frequency within a population.

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Gene Flow

Movement of genes between populations due to migration.

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Germ Plasm Theory

Weismann's idea that only germ cells contribute to inheritance.

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Orthogenesis

The idea that evolution follows a predetermined path.

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Social Darwinism

Application of 'survival of the fittest' to social policies.

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Teleology

The idea that evolution has a purpose or goal.

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Mutation

A change in the DNA sequence of an organism that can lead to new traits.

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Variation

Differences among individuals in a population.

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Othenio Abel

Proposed that cyclops stories originated from Probiscidean fossils.

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Luca

Last Universal Common Ancestor, theorized by Darwin.

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Archaea

Domain of life distinct from bacteria and eukaryotes, discovered by Carl Woese.

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Progenotes

Basic genetic units thought to predate actual cells, involved random gene transfer.

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Minimum genome

The smallest set of genes required for a cell to survive.

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Hydrothermal vents

Proposed habitat for Luca, rich in chemical energy.

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Anaximander

Ancient Greek philosopher who theorized about the origin of species from fish.

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Scala Naturae

Aristotle's classification system, placing organisms in a hierarchy.

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Al Jahiz

Medieval Muslim scholar who wrote about animal evolution and environment.

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Buffon's theory

Stated that species change in response to their environments over time.

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Lamarckism

Theory by Lamarck suggesting species transform over time via inherited traits.

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Darwin's observations

Darwin noted human selection alters species features over time.

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Binomial nomenclature

Two-part naming system for species developed by Linnaeus.

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Evolutionary thought origins

Historical ideas about evolution from Anaximander to Lamarck.

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Inheritance of Traits

The passing of characteristics from parents to offspring.

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Domestication

The process of taming wild animals for human use.

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Reversion to Ancestral Forms

The process by which domestic animals return to wild traits.

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Artificial Selection

The intentional breeding of animals or plants for desired traits.

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Savage Breeding

Early humans selectively bred animals, even in primitive societies.

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Variation Under Nature

Differences in traits within a species due to natural conditions.

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Monstrosities

Structural deviations from the normal that are not useful.

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Species vs. Varieties

Debate on whether closely related organisms are separate species or varieties.

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Struggle for Existence

The competition for resources among living organisms.

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R-selected Species

Species that produce many offspring to ensure survival.

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Species Competition

The rivalry among species for limited resources.

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Similar Genus Struggle

Increased competition happens between closely related species.

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Adaptive Variations

Traits that enhance an organism's chance of survival and reproduction.

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Uncivilized Man's Challenges

Early humans had to struggle for survival and resources.

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Blood Types

Distinct classifications of blood based on antigens present.

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Rh Antigens

Proteins that determine Rh positive or negative blood type.

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Hemolytic Disease

Condition in newborns due to incompatible blood types between mother and child.

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Neanderthal Blood Group

An Rh blood group that is rare in modern humans, potentially affecting survival.

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Interbreeding Risks

Potential complications when different hominin species breed, especially health issues.

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Clinal Distribution

Gradual change in phenotypic traits across geographical areas.

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Genomic Variation

The genetic differences within and between populations over time.

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Race as a Social Construct

Concepts of race arise from social conditions, not biological facts.

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Skin Color Variation

Physical differences in skin color due to genetic and environmental factors.

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Eugenics History

A movement focusing on improving human populations, often through discriminatory practices.

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Anthropology and Racism

Field affected by racial ideologies and biases in research.

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Phenotypic Variation

Observable traits resulting from genetic and environmental interactions.

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Colonialism and Race

The historical roots of race are tied to oppression and discrimination.

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Neanderthal Isolation

Limited gene flow in Neanderthals possibly led to minimal blood cell evolution.

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Role of Biological Anthropology

Study of human biology in the context of cultural and historical factors.

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Francis Galton

The inventor of the term 'eugenics' and associated with its development.

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Eugenics

The belief that human populations can be improved through selective breeding.

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Ronald Fisher

A key figure in population genetics who supported eugenics policies.

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Selective Breeding

Encouraging reproduction of individuals with desirable traits.

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Forced Sterilization

The legal practice of sterilizing individuals without consent, affecting minorities.

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JBS Haldane

A critic of eugenics who argued against it for ethical reasons.

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Racial Essentialism

The belief that races have fixed and unchanging characteristics.

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Scientific Context

Understanding scientific concepts within their political and cultural backgrounds.

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Study Notes

Course Introduction (1/14/2025)

  • Course explores the place of humans in nature, drawing on diverse cultural perspectives across time and space.
  • Fundamental concepts of biological anthropology include evolutionary theory and the role of the environment.
  • Course requirements include active class participation, weekly discussion posts (3 paragraphs minimum, due Sunday by 5 PM), leading a seminar session (30-40 minutes, presenting beforehand), and a bio-anthropological news update (10 minutes).
  • Readings are assigned (with the option to add more).
  • The extended learning project (25% of grade) is due March 25 and can take the form of a literature review (8 pages, double-spaced, 12pt Helvetica) or a creative project (e.g., curriculum design, museum exhibit, podcast, educational video).
  • The final exam (5 short essay questions) will be a take-home exam.
  • Semester debates (group project - structured, individually assessed) are scheduled for April 22.

Roots of Evolutionary Thought Before Darwin (1/21/2025)

  • Science: Based on observation, experimentation, testable explanations.
  • Ancient Greek Philosophers:
    • Anaximander (6th century BCE): Proposed animals evolved progressively from fish to humans (had little subsequent impact).
    • Plato (427-347 BCE): Believed species have fixed essences ("eidos").
    • Aristotle (384-322 BCE): Developed the "Scala Naturae" (Great Chain of Being), ordering creatures hierarchically with humans near the top, though he did not see change in species over time.
  • Muslim Scholars (8th–19th centuries):
    • Al-Jahiz (8th century): Proposed natural selection and environmental influence on traits (similar to Darwinian ideas).
    • Ibn Miskawayh (10th century): Argued humans evolved from other animals, distinguishing themselves by intellect.
    • Ibn Khaldun (14th century): Saw progressive evolution, rejecting religious explanations for skin color variation, instead focusing on environmental factors.
    • Alhazen: (11th century): refuted spontaneous generation.
  • Other Notable Figures:
    • Li Shih-Chen (16th century): Considered the influence of environment on organisms, discussed artificial selection, and introduced a binomial naming system.
    • Carolus Linnaeus (18th century): Developed a hierarchical classification system (Systema Naturae), intended to display divine intention. His system placed humans in relationship with other primates; his work impacted ideas about race.
    • Georges-Louis Leclerc, Comte de Buffon (18th century): Observed that environmental changes could cause species to change, though he later rejected the idea of transformation, introducing concepts of species.
    • Erasmus Darwin: (Darwin's grandfather) speculated about species changing.

Darwin and Natural Selection (1/21/2025 & other)

  • Darwin's On the Origin of Species:
    • Examined variation in domestic species.
    • Argued for natural selection as the mechanism for change, drawing parallels between human breeding practices and the process of adapting in nature.
    • Explored concepts of struggle for existence, the role of competition, and the importance of variation.
    • Recognized that the struggle for existence isn't incessant.
  • Mayr and Darwin's ideas (other):
    • Darwin approached evolution through observation and logical reasoning from past, present, and ongoing examples of natural processes.
    • His ideas revolutionized understandings of biological order and the relations between species and individuals, rejecting essentialism (fixed essences) and finalism (predetermined goals).
  • Other Mechanisms of Evolution:
    • Natural Selection (primary mechanism)
    • Mutation
    • Genetic Drift
    • Gene Flow (introduced)
  • Misconceptions about evolution
  • Social Darwinism

Natural Selection (1/28/2025)

  • Weismann’s Germ Plasm Theory:

  • Proposed a clear separation between somatic cells and germ cells, rejecting the idea that acquired traits could be inherited (disproving Lamarck).

  • This countered Lamarckian ideas.

  • Darwin did not have a full mechanism for inheritance.

  • Opposition to Darwin's ideas: Richard Owen's work on homologies and patterns in anatomical structure was seen by some anti-evolutionary thinkers as evidence for a set design rather than gradual changes through natural processes.

  • Social Darwinism: Application of Darwinian ideas about competition and natural selection to societal structures. This was harmful misapplication for political and social ends.

Scientific Context & Misconceptions (1/28/2025)

  • 19th-century intellectual landscape: Discussion of slavery abolition, the rise of British imperialism, the rise of nationalism, and the rise of eugenics.
  • Natural Theology: An intellectual movement influencing Darwin's thinking, with some overlap with creationism.
  • Evolutionary Misconceptions:
    • Lamarckism (the inheritance of acquired characteristics)
    • Fundamentalism (a literal interpretation of religious texts)
    • Essentialism (fixed essences of species over long periods of time),
    • Orthogenesis (species evolving in a specific direction)
  • Adaptationism (vs general Darwinism).

Race, Racism, and Biological Anthropology (1/28/2025 and 1/30/2025)

  • Historical role of Bias in Biological Anthropology:
    • Recognition of the role of biological anthropology in perpetuating outdated notions of race.
    • The 2019 AAPA statement emphasizes race as a social construct with biological consequences.
    • The AAPA statement acknowledges, but does not necessarily condemn, the past.
    • Examination of historical racist scientific ideologies and their use of “science” to justify racist agendas.
  • Contemporary anthropological approaches:
    • Genomic variation and human populations refute the idea of discrete, isolated human populations.
    • Skin color and human evolutionary history
    • Challenges to the concept of race from both a biological and evolutionary context.
  • Blakely's critique (2001): Examines how American physical anthropology emerged from racist and eugenic science.
  • Eugenics and its History:
    • Eugenics is studied for its historical impact.
    • The historical association of biological research with eugenics and the impact of eugenics on human societies.
    • Historical figures like Davenport (and their impact on early 20th-century anthropology).

Evolution of Human Red Blood Cells (1/30/2025)

  • Discussion of research suggesting rapid evolution in human red blood cells in association with migration out of Africa. (Study suggested that Neanderthal red blood cell traits may have contributed to their extinction).

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