Let’s delve into the fascinating world of Anthropology with a focus on a crucial topic for UPSC Mains – “Characteristics of Primates.” As aspirants gear up for the upcoming examinations, understanding the nuances of Anthropology Optional becomes paramount. In this blog series, we embark on a comprehensive journey through the previous year questions from 2013 to 2023, dissecting the intricate layers of primate characteristics. From the skeletal structure to social behavior, these questions not only offer a glimpse into the examiner’s mindset but also provide invaluable insights for crafting well-rounded answers. Whether you are a seasoned aspirant or a newcomer to the realm of Anthropology, this exploration promises to be an enlightening experience, shedding light on the evolving nature of UPSC examination patterns and the key elements that shape the foundation of Anthropological knowledge.
Join us on this intellectual excursion, where we unravel the complexities of primate characteristics and navigate through a decade of UPSC Mains questions. The Anthropology Optional Topic-Wise Previous Year Questions series aims to empower aspirants with the knowledge and strategic approach necessary to ace the examinations, fostering a deeper understanding of the subject and instilling the confidence needed for success in the competitive landscape of UPSC.
Characteristics of Primates – Previous Year Questions (UPSC CSE Mains Anthropology Optional)
Evolutionary trend and primate Taxonomy; Primate Adaptations (Arboreal and Terrestrial) Primate Taxonomy; Primate Behaviour; Tertiary and Quaternary fossil primates; Living Major Primates; Comparative Anatomy of Man and Apes; Skeletal changes due to erect posture and its implications
1. Discuss how man is unique primate. (1981)
2. Man has not descended from monkeys. Justify. (1982)
3. Discuss the claim of India to be the cradleland of man kind with references to fossil evidences. (1983)
4. Living anthropoid apes are our distant cousins. Discuss. (1983)
5. Give a brief account of the distribution and physical features of the Asiatic Anthropoid apes. (1985)
6. Discuss the evolution of primates with special reference to dentition. (1986)
7. What are different fossil primates of the Palaeocene and Eocene times ?(1986)
8. Discuss critically the contribution of these primates to human origin. (1986)
9. Write a note on Anthropoid apes.(1987)
10. Write a note on Characters of primates.(1988)
11. Write a note on Causes of human variation (1990)
12. Why is Man a primate ? Describe the place of Man in the animal kingdom. (1991)
13. What are the characteristic physical features of the Primate ? Show the position of Man among the other Primates in a tabular form. (1992)
14. Write a note on Anthropoid apes (1992)
15. Discuss similarities and difference between Chimpanzee and Man in salient physical and anatomical Characteristics. (1993)
16. Describe the various way of getting mate in primitive society. Give examples from Indian context. (1994)
17. Write a note on Primate. (1994)
18. Narrate with reasons man’s place in Primate order. (1994)
19. Write a note on Adaptive tradition in primates (1995)
20. Discuss primate locomotion with special reference to adaptations to arboreal life. (1996)
21. Discuss the gradualist view of evolutionary change vis-a-vis the punctuationalist view giving an example from primate evolution that supports one view or the other. (1997)
22. ‘Man can stand erect while anthropoid apes cannot.’ Discuss the anatomical changes that occurred in Man due to erect posture. (1998)
23. Write a note on Fossil men (1999)
24. Describe the range of locomotive behavior of contemporary non-human primates and state how does it help in understanding the structural-functional correlations of their limb structure. (2000)
25. List the major skeletal modifications in humans due to assumption of erect posture·. (2009)
26. ‘Man is a primate.’ Discuss. (2011)
27. Compare and contrast the skull of Gorilla and Man. (2012)
28. Write a note in 150 words on Role of primatology in Anthropological studies (2013)
29. Elucidate the skeletal differences between humans and chimpanzees. (2014)
30. Explain the skeletal changes due to erect posture and their implications. (2016)
31. Bring out the comparative anatomical features of man and apes. Discuss their evolutionary significance. (2017)
32. Discuss the evolutionary significance of bipedalism and erect posture. (2019)
33. Write a note in 150 words on Adaptive primate radiation. (2019)
34. Write notes on Jane Goodall’s contributions in studying primate behaviour in about 150 words.(2020)
35. Illustrate with examples the various types of locomotion patterns among the non-human primates. (2020)
36. Write notes on : The losses and gains of erect posture. (in about 150 words) (2022)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What are the key anatomical features that define primates?
A: Primates are characterized by distinctive features, including grasping hands and feet with opposable thumbs, forward-facing eyes for binocular vision, flattened nails instead of claws, and a well-developed brain. These adaptations are essential for their arboreal lifestyle and complex social behaviors.
2. How do primates exhibit social behavior?
A: Primates are highly social animals, often living in groups with complex social structures. They engage in various social behaviors such as grooming, communication through vocalizations and gestures, and the formation of intricate social hierarchies. These social interactions contribute to their adaptive success in diverse environments.
3. What role does the skeletal structure play in primate adaptation?
A: The skeletal structure of primates reflects their arboreal lifestyle. Limbs are adapted for climbing and brachiation, with flexible shoulder joints for reaching and grasping. The dental formula, emphasizing the presence of incisors, canines, premolars, and molars, also provides insights into their dietary adaptations.
4. How do primates differ in terms of locomotion?
A: Primates exhibit diverse forms of locomotion, ranging from quadrupedalism to brachiation. Quadrupedalism involves walking on all fours, while brachiation is swinging from branch to branch using the arms. The variation in locomotion reflects their adaptation to different ecological niches and habitats.
5. What is the significance of binocular vision in primates?
A: Binocular vision, where both eyes focus on an object simultaneously, provides depth perception, enhancing the ability to judge distances accurately. This adaptation is crucial for primates, especially those living in trees, as it aids in navigating through complex three-dimensional environments and detecting predators or prey.
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