ANTH1400 Exam 2 Study Guide

Vocabulary flashcards covering key definitions and concepts in anthropology for exam preparation.

Gradistic classification system

Primates classified by similar anatomical features, grouped as Prosimians and Anthropoids.

Cladistic classification system

Primates groups classified by evolutionary relationships and DNA, categorized into Strepsirrhines and Haplorrhines.

Strepsirrhines

Primates with a naked rhinarium.

Equifinality

The principle that a particular outcome can arise from different combinations of processes.

Lucy (Australopithecus afarensis)

Significant fossil demonstrating bipedalism, notable for its completeness and similarities to modern humans.

Social learning

Behavior influenced by observations and interactions with others in the social group.

Primatologist

A scientist who studies non-human primates.

Haplorrhines

Primates without a rhinarium.

Brachiation

The act of swinging from tree limb to limb using only the arms.

Knuckle walking

Locomotion method where a primate supports its weight on its knuckles.

Deep time

The vast period since the Big Bang that created the universe.

Absolute dating method

Technique that provides a specific point in time for a finding, commonly utilized in tree-ring dating.

Relative dating method

Method that establishes a chronological sequence of findings in relation to one another, with older layers found deeper in the earth.

Altruism

Behavior benefiting another individual at a cost to oneself.

Adaptive radiation

The rapid diversification of an ancestral species into a variety of new forms adapted to different ecological niches.

Multiregional continuity hypothesis

Theory suggesting ongoing gene flow among populations of Homo erectus, leading to modern Homo sapiens evolving simultaneously across continents.

Assimilation hypothesis

Modern humans evolved in Africa and interbred with Neanderthals and Denisovans upon spreading to Europe and Asia.

Anthropology of Development

Study focused on the cultural conditions for proper development and the negative impacts of development efforts.

Hominin

A member of the human lineage, including all humans and human-like ancestors.

Hominid

The family that includes all hominids and hominins.

Masticatory-functional hypothesis

Suggests changes in face shape are due to dietary shifts to softer foods.

Out of Africa hypothesis

Theory that Homo sapiens evolved in Africa and dispersed, replacing Neanderthals without interbreeding.

Dental hypoplasia

Indications of nutritional deficiency visible as lines on teeth.

Dental caries

Cavities caused by high-carbohydrate, domesticated plant diets.

Allen’s Rule

Mammals in warm environments evolve long limbs for heat dissipation, while those in cold environments evolve shorter limbs.

Bergmann’s rule

Mammals in warm climates have narrower bodies, whereas those in colder climates have broader bodies.

Cline

Gradual phenotypic changes across geographical populations.

Structural violence

Systems that oppress marginalized groups, reducing resources and perpetuating inequalities.

Development Anthropology

Application of anthropological knowledge to shape and implement development projects ethically.

Colonial medicine

Medicine practiced under imperial rule, often viewing non-European bodies through biased lenses.

Prevalence

Estimate of the percentage of a population suffering from a specific health condition at a given time.

Incidence

Rate of new cases of a disease occurring within a specified timeframe.

Morbidity

Condition of disease or any departure from a state of health.

Mortality

The state of being dead; often measured by mortality rate.

Mortality rate

Number of deaths per 1000 population within a given year.

Applied/engaged Anthropology

Using anthropological methods to address and solve real-world issues.

McKeown Hypothesis

The theory that improved nutrition and public health measures led to decreased mortality, independent of medical interventions.