Anthropology

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Ancient DNA Unveils a Previously Unknown Neandertal Lineage

(Source: https://www.sciencenews.org/article/ancient-dna-unveils-unknown-neandertals) Relevance – Archaeology Paper 1&2 and Physical Anthropology – 1.6 Human Fossils Introduction For decades, Neandertals have been considered a genetically homogenous population, following a single evolutionary path until their extinction around 40,000 years ago. However, a groundbreaking study challenges this notion, revealing that European Neandertals consisted of at least two distinct populations. […]

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“What Makes a Tribe? Top Anthropologists Say the Answer Lies on a Spectrum”

Relevance for Upsc Paper II Anthropology: Changing tribal classification, ethnographic research tools. GS Paper II (Governance): Policy implications, NCST role. GS Paper I (Society): Tribal diversity, identity conflicts. Essay / Ethics: Self-definition vs. state definition, epistemic justice Introduction: Paradigm Shift in Defining Tribes 2. Existing Framework: Lokur Committee Criteria (1965) The five criteria defined were:

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Anthropology UPSC Test Series 2025–26 | Shiva Teja Sir –ACE WITH EASE IAS

Ace your UPSC preparation with the best Anthropology UPSC Test Series by Shiva Teja Sir at ACE WITH EASE IAS. Get structured guidance, expert feedback, and daily answer writing programs. Introduction Choosing Anthropology as your UPSC optional subject can be a game-changer—only if your preparation is structured, strategic, and consistently evaluated. That’s where Shiva Teja

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Britain’s Largest Ancient Massacre: A Tale of Brutality and Cannibalism

Relevance – Paper 1 and 2 – Archaeology and Paper 1 – 1.6 Human Fossils Phylogenetic status A 4,000-year-old mass grave in southwestern England has unearthed a chilling chapter of Bronze Age history. At least 37 men, women, and children were brutally killed, dismembered, and possibly cannibalized before being dumped into a 15-meter-deep shaft at

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A Century-Old Assumption Challenged – The Energy Barrier to Bigger brains

A Century-Old Assumption Challenged Uncovering the Rule-Breakers For over a century, scientists believed that brain size increased proportionally with body mass. However, groundbreaking research from the University of Reading and Durham University has upended this notion, revealing that the relationship is not linear but curved. This means that larger animals tend to have smaller brains

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Tinshemet Cave: A Forgotten Crossroad of Early Human Civilization

Tinshemet Cave: A Forgotten Crossroad of Early Human Civilization The long-standing belief that Neanderthals and Homo sapiens were mere rivals is being rewritten with groundbreaking discoveries from Tinshemet Cave in central Israel. Recent research reveals that these two species not only coexisted but actively shared technology, customs, and cultural practices, shaping early human civilization through

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MEDICAL ANTHROPOLOGY IN THE FIELD

Introduction The excerpt describes Laura Bohannan’s emotional struggle and cultural observations during her fieldwork among Tiv horticulturalists of northern Nigeria, highlighting the interplay between traditional Tiv beliefs and Western biomedicine. The event centers on Amara, a woman who died during childbirth, and the Tiv community’s response to her condition. Tiv Beliefs and Practices Western Biomedicine

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Case Study: Shifting Cultivation and Horticulture through the Lens of Harold Conklin

Case Study: Shifting Cultivation and Horticulture through the Lens of Harold Conklin Harold Colyer Conklin (1926-2016) was a pioneering figure in the fields of ethnobotany and environmental anthropology, particularly known for his extensive research on the Hanunóo people of the Philippines. His work has significantly influenced our understanding of shifting cultivation, a traditional agricultural practice

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Diffusionism – Anthropological Theories

Comparison of British, German, and American Diffusionist Schools Feature British Diffusionism German Diffusionism (Kulturkreis School) American Diffusionism Key Idea Culture originated from one or few major centers and spread worldwide. Culture traits originated in multiple locations independently and spread through migration & diffusion. Culture spreads through contact & borrowing rather than migration. Major Proponents G.

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