1.) What are the subfields of anthropology? How, specifically, do they provide insight into human behavior? As
you respond, consider and touch on Jane Goodall’s work with chimpanzees, the stone age diet, evidence from
the Otter pipe, and the existence of a postpartum sex taboo. Explain, for example, how the study of linguistics
helps us better understand the role language plays in human growth and development.
2.) Think about what archaeologists do and then respond to the following questions: What is the primary goal
of archaeology? How does archaeology help explain history? prehistory? What are the ethical considerations
archaeologists must make? What can a feature tell us that an artifact might not?
3.) Why do scientists rely on theories? Can a theory change and, if so, why is a theory’s changeability critical to
its value to science? In physical anthropology, a good theory helps us understand what about human growth
and development?
4.) In biology, what does evolution mean? What role does mutation, natural selection, genetic drift, and genetic
flow play in the process? What happens to maladaptive traits? How does intelligent design conflict with the
requirements of science? What about when we are talking about culture? Can language or social behavior
evolve?
5.) What does human variation mean? What role does it play in reproductive success? What role does it play in
adaptation? Use at least two examples from the text to explain its role in adaptation. What does it mean to be
genetically homogeneous? How is race a construct?
Sample Solution
