ANTHROPOLOGY SPECIAL MODULE (PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY) FOR UPSC/IAS

ANTHROPOLOGY SPECIAL MODULE (PHYSICAL ANTHROPOLOGY) FOR UPSC/IAS

The special module on Physical Anthropology for UPSC/IAS aspirants offers the following:
 Human Evolution and the emergence of Man:

• Biological and Cultural factors in human evolution.
• Theories of Organic Evolution (Pre- Darwinian, Darwinian and Post-Darwinian).
• Synthetic theory of evolution; Brief outline of terms and concepts of evolutionary biology (Doll s rule, Cope s rule, Gause s rule, parallelism, convergence, adaptive radiation, and mosaic evolution).

Characteristics of Primates; Primate Adaptations; (Arboreal and Terrestrial) Primate Taxonomy; Living Major Primates; Primate Behaviour; Evolutionary Trend and Primate Taxonomy; Tertiary and Quaternary fossil primates; Comparative Anatomy of Man and Apes; Skeletal changes due to erect posture and its implications.

Phylogenetic status, characteristics and geographical distribution of the following

• Plio-Pliestocene hominids in south and east Africa- Australopithecines.
• Homo erectus: Africa (Paranthropus), Europe (Homo erectus heidelbergensis), Asia (Homo erectus javanicus, Homo erectus pekinensis)
• Neanderthal Man- La-Chapelle-aux-saints (Classical type), Mt. Carmel (Progressive type)
• Rhodesian man
• Homo sapiens Cromagnon, Grimaldi and Chancelede

The biological basis of life: The Cell, DNA structure and replication, Protein Synthesis, Gene, Mutation, Chromosomes, and Cell Division.

Human Genetics Methods and Application: Methods for the study of genetic principles in a man-family study (pedigree analysis, twin study, foster child, co-twin method, cytogenetic method, chromosomal and karyo-type analysis), biochemical methods, immunological methods, D.N.A. technology and recombinant technologies.

Mendelian genetics in a man-family study, single factor, multifactor, lethal, sub-lethal and polygenic inheritance in man.

Concept of genetic polymorphism and selection, Mendelian population, Hardy-Weinberg law; causes and changes which bring down frequency mutation, isolation, migration, selection, inbreeding and genetic drift. Consanguineous and non-consanguineous mating, genetic load, genetic effect of consanguineous and cousin marriages.

Chromosomes and chromosomal aberrations in man, methodology.

• Numerical and structural aberrations (disorders).
• Sex chromosomal aberrations Klinefelter (XXY), Turner (XO), Super female (XXX), intersex and other syndromic disorders.
• Autosomal aberrations Down syndrome, Patau, Edward and Cri-du-chat syndromes.
• Genetic imprints in human disease, genetic screening, genetic counselling, human DNA profiling, gene mapping and genome study.

Race and racism, biological basis of morphological variation of non-metric and metric characters. Racial criteria, racial traits in relation to heredity and environment; biological basis of racial classification, racial differentiation and race crossing in man.

Age, sex and population variation as a genetic marker- ABO, Rh blood groups, HLA Hp, transferring, Gm, blood enzymes. Physiological characteristics-Hb level, body fat, pulse rate, respiratory functions and sensory perceptions of different cultural and socio-economic groups.

Concepts and methods of Ecological Anthropology. Bio-cultural Adaptations Genetic and Non- genetic factors. Mans physiological responses to environmental stresses: hot desert, cold, high altitude climate.

Epidemiological Anthropology: Health and disease. Infectious and non-infectious diseases. Nutritional deficiency related diseases.

The concept of human growth and development: stages of growth pre-natal, natal, infant, childhood, adolescence, maturity, and senescence.

• Factors affecting growth and development of genetic, environmental, biochemical, nutritional, cultural and socio-economic.
• Ageing and senescence. Theories and observations of biological and chronological longevity. Human physique and somatotypes. Methodologies for growth studies.

Relevance of menarche, menopause and other bioevents to fertility. Fertility patterns and differentials.

Demographic theories- biological, social and cultural.

Biological and socio-ecological factors influencing fecundity, fertility, natality and mortality.

Why Special Module?
Physical Anthropology is a crucial area of study within the broader field of Anthropology. It focuses on the biological aspects of humans, including our evolution, genetics, anatomy, and physiology. Physical Anthropologists examine human variation and adaptation to different environments, as well as the interactions between biology and culture. Some of the most important topics in Physical Anthropology include human evolution, primatology, forensic anthropology, and human genetics.

It can be challenging to fully comprehend the topics covered in Physical Anthropology through self-study alone. This is because Physical Anthropology draws on a range of scientific disciplines, including biology, genetics, anatomy, and archaeology. In addition, it can be difficult to grasp complex scientific concepts and terminology without the guidance of an expert instructor or mentor.

Despite the challenges of studying Physical Anthropology, it is a highly scoring area that should not be skipped in choice. Understanding the biological basis of human variation and adaptation is essential for comprehending the complexities of human culture and society. Moreover, Physical Anthropology offers insights into our shared evolutionary history and the origins of our species.

The special module on Physical Anthropology for UPSC/IAS aspirants aims to provide comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the topics covered, making them well-equipped to tackle the Anthropology optional paper in the UPSC/IAS examination.