ANTH Physical and Biological Anthropology 2

Question 1

Which primate trait is a shared feature that distinguishes primates from most other mammals?

Accepted Answer

Grasping hands with opposable thumbs

Answer

Grasping hands with opposable thumbs are a defining primate adaptation for arboreal life.

Question 2

The study of human skeletal remains to determine identity, cause of death, and time since death is called what?

Accepted Answer

Forensic anthropology

Answer

Forensic anthropology applies skeletal analysis to medico-legal investigations.

Question 3

Which hominin species is credited with the earliest widespread use of controlled fire?

Accepted Answer

Homo erectus

Answer

Homo erectus is associated with early evidence of controlled fire use.

Question 4

The condition in which an allele frequency changes randomly in a small population is known as what?

Accepted Answer

Genetic drift

Answer

Genetic drift is random change in allele frequencies, strongest in small populations.

Question 5

Which foramen magnum position best indicates habitual bipedalism in a fossil skull?

Accepted Answer

Positioned toward the center/base of the skull

Answer

A centrally placed foramen magnum shows the spine enters vertically, indicating upright posture.

ANTH (Anthropology) Practice Test