AIR 74 · CSE 2025 · ANT1 · 52 pages

Harsh Nehara: ANT1 answer copy

19 answers by Harsh Nehara, as written in the test.

The questions

  1. Q1(a)Comment on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Synthetic theory of evolution10 marks
  2. Q1(b)Tool technology of Upper Paleolithic Culture10 marks
  3. Q1(c)Cope's rule and Gausse law10 marks
  4. Q1(d)Sivapithecus and Ramapithecus10 marks
  5. Q1(e)Neolithic-Chalcolithic Culture in India10 marks
  6. Q2(a)Should we still distinguish between Classical and Progressive Neanderthals? Discuss the controversy surrounding Neanderthal's position in human evolution.20 marks
  7. Q2(b)What are the defining characteristics of Iron Age cultures and how did it impact the life of people?15 marks
  8. Q2(c)How can pottery be used as a source of human history during the Chalcolithic period?15 marks
  9. Q5(a)Answer the following in about 150 words each: (a) Controversy related to Harappan Script10 marks
  10. Q5(b)5.b) Primate Social Behaviours10 marks
  11. Q5(c)Indus, Harappan, or Saraswati-Sindhu: Which name best reflects the true identity of the civilization?10 marks
  12. Q5(d)Significance of Olduvan Gorge as an Archaeological site10 marks
  13. Q5(e)Lucy and its archaeological significance10 marks
  14. Q6(a)The Harappan Civilization was a product of indigenous evolution rather than external influence. Critically examine this statement in light of recent archaeological findings and the understanding of pre-Harappan and post-Harappan cultures.20 marks
  15. Q6(b)Examine the characteristic features of Primate Behaviour and its relevance to understanding human social organization.15 marks
  16. Q6(c)Discuss different types of Megalithic burial practices in India. How far does the archaeological evidence from it help us to know the religious beliefs and cultural practices?15 marks
  17. Q7(a)Briefly discuss the distribution, physical and culture characteristics of Homo erectus.20 marks
  18. Q7(b)Discuss primate locomotion with special reference to adaptation to terrestrial and arboreal life.15 marks
  19. Q7(c)Mesolithic paintings presented a window into the Mesolithic way of life. Elaborate.15 marks

The answers

Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 160 words written

Comment on the following in about 150 words each: (a) Synthetic theory of evolution

Opening

Fisher & other neo-darwinions proposed scientific theory of evolution in order to overcome the limitation of Darwinian theory.

Scientific theory of evolution

Body · points

  1. Five processes have crucial role in bringing about variation

a) Mutation: sudden inheritable changes in genetic makeup.

b) Hybridisation: refers to mating outside own group or different genetic frequency

c) Gene flow: from one groups to another through migration.

d) Genetic drift: Sudden change in gene frequency without the role of mutations.

e) recombination: Chromosomal recombination like addition, deletion, etc.

  1. When a different gene frequency population is isolated for long period it leads to speciation.

  2. Natural selection acts upon a new traits & favours the advantageous or fittest one.

Significance

  1. Considered role of mutation (sport), ignored by Darwin

  2. Holistic consideration of various factors of variation

Limitation

  1. Doesn't Chart the future course of evolution.

  2. Overemphasis on role of hybridisation in humans

Close · a summary

Thus, Scientific theory despite limitation fairly addressed shortcoming of previous theories.