ANTH105 Quiz 1

biological anthro

What is Anthropology?

Anthropology is the broad study of humankind around the world and throughout time, concerned with both the biological and cultural aspects of humans.

What are the four main subdivisions of Anthropology?

The four main subdivisions are Physical/Biological Anthropology, Archeology, Cultural Anthropology, and Linguistic Anthropology.

What does Physical/Biological Anthropology study?

It studies how the human species has changed physically over time, including biological evolution and subfields like primatology and paleoanthropology.

Define Evolution.

Evolution is the change in inherited characteristics of biological populations over successive generations, and in the genetic structure of a population.

What is an Adaptation?

An adaptation is a feature of an organism created by the process of natural selection.

What is the Biological Species Concept?

A species is defined as a group of organisms that can interbreed in nature and produce fertile offspring.

What is Allopatric Speciation?

Allopatric speciation occurs due to geographic isolation and involves a combination of reproductive isolation and natural selection.

Who published 'On the Origin of Species'?

Charles Darwin published 'On the Origin of Species' in 1859.

What is Sociobiology?

Sociobiology is the study of how differential reproductive success shapes the evolution of social behaviors in all organisms.

What is the central theme of Life History Theory?

Life History Theory examines the trade-offs between reproductive effort, somatic effort, and growth in different species.

What is Phenotypic Flexibility?

Phenotypic flexibility refers to the ability to change behavior to match the environmental conditions.

Define Polyandry.

Polyandry is a mating system where one female has multiple males.

What is the principle behind Trivers' Parental Investment Theory?

Trivers' Parental Investment Theory states that the more a parent invests in offspring, the more selective they become in mate choice.

What are the key characteristics of primates?

Common characteristics include hind-limb dominant locomotion, nails instead of claws, grasping hands and feet, and relatively large brains.

What is the difference between Homology and Analogy?

Homology refers to shared structures in genes between different species from a common ancestor, while analogy refers to similar traits in unrelated species due to similar selection pressures.

What is the significance of WHR (Waist-to-Hip Ratio) in evolutionary psychology?

WHR is used as a cue for attractiveness, indicating reproductive fitness, where lower WHRs are often associated with higher fertility.

Define Intrasexual Selection.

Intrasexual selection occurs when individuals of one sex compete among themselves for mates.

What is the difference between Sexual Selection and Natural Selection?

Sexual selection favors traits that improve mating success, which can sometimes reduce survival chances, while natural selection favors traits that enhance survival.

What are the three types of speciation?

Allopatric, Parapatric, and Sympatric speciation.