BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Bachelor of Social Science Anthropology 3

Question 1

Which subfield of anthropology focuses on the physical and biological aspects of human evolution and variation?

Accepted Answer

Biological (physical) anthropology

Answer

Biological anthropology studies human evolution, genetics, primatology, and variation in physical traits across populations.

Question 2

What is 'totemism' as described by Claude Lévi-Strauss?

Accepted Answer

A symbolic system in which natural species serve as markers of social group differences

Answer

Lévi-Strauss argued that totems are good to 'think with'—natural categories used to express social distinctions rather than literal worship.

Question 3

The concept of 'mana' in Polynesian cultures refers to:

Accepted Answer

An impersonal supernatural force or power residing in persons and objects

Answer

Mana is an impersonal, transferable spiritual force that can be concentrated in individuals, objects, or places and confers power and prestige.

Question 4

What does the anthropological term 'exogamy' mean?

Accepted Answer

Marriage outside one's own defined social group

Answer

Exogamy requires individuals to marry outside their own clan, lineage, or community, often functioning to build alliances between groups.

Question 5

In archaeology, what is 'stratigraphy' used for?

Accepted Answer

Establishing relative chronology by analyzing the layering of soil deposits

Answer

Stratigraphy uses the law of superposition—older layers lie beneath newer ones—to establish the relative age of artifacts and features.

BSocSc Bachelor of Social Science Practice Test