ANTH Physical and Biological Anthropology 4

Question 1

Potassium-argon dating is especially useful for dating what type of material?

Accepted Answer

Volcanic rock layers

Answer

Potassium-argon dating measures decay in volcanic rock, ideal for old geological layers.

Question 2

Which anatomical change is directly linked to the shift to bipedal walking in hominins?

Accepted Answer

A bowl-shaped, shortened pelvis

Answer

Bipedalism reshaped the pelvis into a short, broad bowl to support upright weight.

Question 3

The 'Out of Africa' model proposes that modern Homo sapiens originated where?

Accepted Answer

In Africa, then dispersed globally

Answer

The Out of Africa model holds that modern humans arose in Africa and migrated outward.

Question 4

Which of these is an example of a homologous structure shared by primates?

Accepted Answer

The pentadactyl (five-digit) limb

Answer

The five-fingered limb is a homologous structure inherited from a common ancestor.

Question 5

The sickle-cell allele persists in some populations because heterozygotes gain what advantage?

Accepted Answer

Resistance to malaria

Answer

Sickle-cell heterozygotes have partial malaria resistance, a case of balancing selection.

ANTH (Anthropology) Practice Test