Anthropology 2021 Paper I 50 marks 150 words Compulsory Write short notes

Q5

Write notes on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Human adolescent growth spurt (10 marks) (b) The losses and gains of erect posture (10 marks) (c) Is race a valid and biologically meaningful concept? (10 marks) (d) Descent Groups (10 marks) (e) Modes of Subsistence (10 marks)

हिंदी में प्रश्न पढ़ें

निम्नलिखित पर लगभग 150 शब्दों (प्रत्येक) में टिप्पणियाँ लिखिए : (a) मानव किशोर वृद्धि में उछाल (10 अंक) (b) सीधे खड़ी मुद्रा के नुकसान और लाभ (10 अंक) (c) क्या नस्ल एक वैध और जैविक रूप से सार्थक अवधारणा है ? (10 अंक) (d) वंश समूह (10 अंक) (e) निर्वाह के तरीके (10 अंक)

Evaluate your answer to this question → See all 2021 Anthropology questions

Directive word: Write short notes

This question asks you to write short notes. The directive word signals the depth of analysis expected, the structure of your answer, and the weight of evidence you must bring.

See our UPSC directive words guide for a full breakdown of how to respond to each command word.

How this answer will be evaluated

Approach

The directive 'Write notes' demands concise, information-dense responses for each sub-part with approximately 30 words per mark (150 words × 5 parts). Allocate roughly 3 minutes per part (15 minutes total), ensuring each note has a mini-introduction, core content with technical terminology, and a concluding link to broader anthropological significance. Prioritize precision over elaboration; avoid narrative flow between parts.

Key points expected

(a) Human adolescent growth spurt: Define as secondary growth acceleration; mention sex differences (earlier in females), hormonal triggers (GH, sex steroids), and evolutionary significance for reproductive maturation
(b) Losses and gains of erect posture: Gains include freed hands, tool use, expanded vision; losses include obstetric dilemma, spinal/venous stress, and increased UV exposure
(c) Race as biological concept: Critique typological vs. population genetics approaches; cite Lewontin's 1972 finding that 85% genetic variation is within populations; mention clinal variation
(d) Descent groups: Distinguish unilineal (patrilineal/matrilineal), bilateral, and ambilineal systems; note functions in property, ritual, and political organization
(e) Modes of subsistence: Classify as foraging, pastoralism, horticulture, and agriculture; link each to social organization, carrying capacity, and environmental constraints

Evaluation rubric

Dimension	Weight	Max marks	Excellent	Average	Poor
Concept correctness	25%	12.5	Demonstrates precise command of technical terminology across all five parts: for (a) cites peak height velocity and IGF-1; for (b) correctly identifies foramen magnum position and lumbar lordosis; for (c) distinguishes between biological race and social race; for (d) accurately defines lineage vs. clan; for (e) differentiates horticulture from agriculture by intensity and fallow periods	Covers basic concepts with minor inaccuracies—e.g., conflates race with ethnicity, or confuses matrilineal with matrilocal; uses lay terms instead of anthropological vocabulary	Fundamental conceptual errors such as describing erect posture as solely beneficial without costs, or treating race as genetically discrete categories; misidentifies descent principles
Theoretical framing	20%	10	Integrates relevant theoretical perspectives: for (a) references Bogin's evolutionary medicine framework; for (c) applies Lewontin's genetic analysis and AAA Statement on Race; for (d) cites Radcliffe-Brown's structural-functionalism or Fortes' descent theory; for (e) mentions Steward's cultural ecology or Boserup's intensification theory	Mentions one or two theorists without clear linkage to the specific phenomenon; e.g., names Morgan for descent without specifying his evolutionary framework	No theoretical anchoring; presents facts as isolated information without anthropological interpretation or scholarly context
Ethnographic / Indian examples	15%	7.5	Includes India-specific illustrations: for (d) cites Nuer patrilineal clans or Khasi matrilineal descent; for (e) contrasts Indian swidden (jhum) cultivation with intensive Gangetic agriculture; for (c) references Indian caste-genetic studies (e.g., Reich et al. on ANI-ASI admixture) to demonstrate clinal variation	Provides generic ethnographic references (e.g., 'tribes in Africa') or omits Indian examples where directly relevant, particularly for descent and subsistence	No ethnographic grounding; entirely textbook-abstract or includes fabricated/inappropriate examples (e.g., 'Aryan race' as biological category)
Comparative analysis	20%	10	Structures responses with explicit comparisons: for (b) contrasts quadrupedal vs. bipedal biomechanics; for (d) compares unilineal systems cross-culturally; for (e) contrasts foraging band size with agricultural state complexity; for (c) compares typological race classification with modern population genetics	Implicit comparisons only; lists features without systematic contrast (e.g., mentions both gains and losses of bipedalism but doesn't analytically weigh them)	Purely descriptive with no comparative element; treats each phenomenon in isolation without relational analysis
Conclusion & applied angle	20%	10	Each 150-word note closes with significance: for (a) links to public health nutrition policy; for (c) addresses forensic anthropology and personalized medicine implications; for (d) connects to contemporary kinship change; for (e) relates to sustainable development and food security debates; demonstrates integrated anthropological relevance	Weak or generic concluding statements ('thus it is important'); applied angle mentioned but not developed or specific to the phenomenon	Abrupt endings without synthesis; no applied or contemporary relevance; or attempts unified conclusion across all five parts instead of per-note closure

Practice this exact question

Write your answer, then get a detailed evaluation from our AI trained on UPSC's answer-writing standards. Free first evaluation — no signup needed to start.

Evaluate my answer →