Anthropology Chapter-wise PYQs (Paper- I) | Anthropology Optional for UPSC PDF Download

 Page 1


    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAPER-I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Page 2


    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAPER-I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.1 Meaning, scope and development of Anthropology. 1.2 Relationships with other 
disciplines: Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Earth 
Sciences and Humanities. 1.3 Main branches of Anthropology, their scope and relevance: 
(a) Social- cultural Anthropology. (b) Biological Anthropology. (c) Archaeological 
Anthropology. (d) Linguistic Anthropology.  
 
1) How can synergising the core branches of anthropology reinvigorate the holistic spirit 
of the discipline. 20 M (2020) 
2) Give an account of the field methods used in the study of Archaeological Anthropology. 
15 marks (2018)   
3) Define Anthropology. Describe the major branches of Anthropology elaborating on any 
one branch. (2017)  
4) Critically examine the role of anthropology in Contemporary India. (15Marks 2014)  
5) The Relevance of Anthropology (2018)  
6) Major subdivisions of Anthropology (10Marks 2014)  
7) How do you situate Anthropology in Social Sciences? (10Marks 2013)  
8) Write notes on the following in about 150 words each.  10 Marks 
a) Differences between Social Anthropology and Sociology. 10 M (2016)    
b) Archaeological Anthropology (10Marks 2015,1992)  
c) Linguistic Anthropology (10Marks 2013 ,1990)  
d) Social & Cultural Anthropology (10Marks 1994) 
e) Applied Anthropology (1990)  
f) Theme of Linguistic Anthropology (1989)  
g) New Physical Anthropology (1989) 
 
1.4 Human Evolution and emergence of Man: (a) Biological and Cultural factors in 
human evolution. (b) Theories of Organic Evolution (Pre Darwinian, Darwinian and 
Post-Darwinian). (c) 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).  
1) Elucidate how Darwin and post-Darwin theories of evolution resulted in the 
development of Synthetic theory of evolution. 15 M (2020)  
2) Explain the biological changes that made human beings capable of making cultures. 20 
marks (2018)  
3) Critically examine the Darwin’s theory of evolution in understanding Evolution. 
(15Marks 2015)  
4) Biological Evolution of early man (1997)  
5) How Darwinism differs from the synthetic theory of organic evolution? (1994)  
6) What is Synthetic Theory of Evolution? Discuss how this theory helps us in 
understanding the evolutionary mechanism. (1993)  
7) Synthetic theory of evolution (1992)  
8) What is organic evolution? Give evidences for human evolution. (1992)  
Page 3


    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAPER-I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.1 Meaning, scope and development of Anthropology. 1.2 Relationships with other 
disciplines: Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Earth 
Sciences and Humanities. 1.3 Main branches of Anthropology, their scope and relevance: 
(a) Social- cultural Anthropology. (b) Biological Anthropology. (c) Archaeological 
Anthropology. (d) Linguistic Anthropology.  
 
1) How can synergising the core branches of anthropology reinvigorate the holistic spirit 
of the discipline. 20 M (2020) 
2) Give an account of the field methods used in the study of Archaeological Anthropology. 
15 marks (2018)   
3) Define Anthropology. Describe the major branches of Anthropology elaborating on any 
one branch. (2017)  
4) Critically examine the role of anthropology in Contemporary India. (15Marks 2014)  
5) The Relevance of Anthropology (2018)  
6) Major subdivisions of Anthropology (10Marks 2014)  
7) How do you situate Anthropology in Social Sciences? (10Marks 2013)  
8) Write notes on the following in about 150 words each.  10 Marks 
a) Differences between Social Anthropology and Sociology. 10 M (2016)    
b) Archaeological Anthropology (10Marks 2015,1992)  
c) Linguistic Anthropology (10Marks 2013 ,1990)  
d) Social & Cultural Anthropology (10Marks 1994) 
e) Applied Anthropology (1990)  
f) Theme of Linguistic Anthropology (1989)  
g) New Physical Anthropology (1989) 
 
1.4 Human Evolution and emergence of Man: (a) Biological and Cultural factors in 
human evolution. (b) Theories of Organic Evolution (Pre Darwinian, Darwinian and 
Post-Darwinian). (c) 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).  
1) Elucidate how Darwin and post-Darwin theories of evolution resulted in the 
development of Synthetic theory of evolution. 15 M (2020)  
2) Explain the biological changes that made human beings capable of making cultures. 20 
marks (2018)  
3) Critically examine the Darwin’s theory of evolution in understanding Evolution. 
(15Marks 2015)  
4) Biological Evolution of early man (1997)  
5) How Darwinism differs from the synthetic theory of organic evolution? (1994)  
6) What is Synthetic Theory of Evolution? Discuss how this theory helps us in 
understanding the evolutionary mechanism. (1993)  
7) Synthetic theory of evolution (1992)  
8) What is organic evolution? Give evidences for human evolution. (1992)  
    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9) What is Organic Evolution? Describe the theories of organic evolution. (1991)  
10) Theory of organic evolution (1985)  
11) Micro evolution (1990)  
12) Elucidate the theory of Evolution as put forward by Lamark.  
13) Give a critical account of the processes of organic evolution and explain how they 
contribute to speciation. (1988) 
14) Biological evolution and concept of new Physical Anthropology (1986)  
15) Lamarckism & Darwinism (1986)  
 
1.5 Characteristics of Primates; 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. Jane Goodall’s contributions in studying primate behaviour. 10 M (2020)  
2. Illustrate with examples the various types of locomotion pattern among non-human 
primates. 15 M (2020)  
3. Adaptive primate radiation (2019) 10 marks  
4. Discuss the evolutionary significance of bipedalism and erect posture. 20 marks (2019)  
5. Bring out the comparative anatomical features of man and apes. Discuss their 
evolutionary significance. (2017) 
6. Explain the skeletal changes due to erect posture and their implications. (2016)  
7. Elucidate the skeletal differences between humans and chimpanzees. (15Marks 2014)  
8. Role of Primatology in Anthropological studies. (10Marks 2013)  
9. Discuss the anatomical changes that occurred in Man due to erect posture. (1998)  
10. Discuss primate locomotion with special reference to adaptation to arboreal life. (1996) 
11. Adaptive radiation in primates (1995)  
12. Primate (1994)  
13. Narrate with reasons man’s place in primate order (1994)  
14. Discuss the similarities and differences between Chimpanzee & Man in salient physical 
and anatomical characteristics. (1993)  
15. Anthropoid Apes (1992, 1987)  
16. What are the characteristic physical features of the primates?  
17. Show the position of man among the other primates in a tabular form. (1992)  
18. Why is Man a primate? Describe the place of Man in the animal kingdom. (1991) 
19. Why is man included in the Primate Order? Discuss in detail. (1989)  
20. Characters of Primates (1988)   
21. Discuss the evolution of primates with special reference to dentition – (1986)  
22. What are the different fossil primates of the Palaeocene & Eocene times?   
23. Discuss critically the contribution of these primates to human origin? (1986)  
24. Give a brief account of the distribution and physical features of the Asiatic Anthropoid 
apes. (1985) 
Page 4


    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAPER-I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.1 Meaning, scope and development of Anthropology. 1.2 Relationships with other 
disciplines: Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Earth 
Sciences and Humanities. 1.3 Main branches of Anthropology, their scope and relevance: 
(a) Social- cultural Anthropology. (b) Biological Anthropology. (c) Archaeological 
Anthropology. (d) Linguistic Anthropology.  
 
1) How can synergising the core branches of anthropology reinvigorate the holistic spirit 
of the discipline. 20 M (2020) 
2) Give an account of the field methods used in the study of Archaeological Anthropology. 
15 marks (2018)   
3) Define Anthropology. Describe the major branches of Anthropology elaborating on any 
one branch. (2017)  
4) Critically examine the role of anthropology in Contemporary India. (15Marks 2014)  
5) The Relevance of Anthropology (2018)  
6) Major subdivisions of Anthropology (10Marks 2014)  
7) How do you situate Anthropology in Social Sciences? (10Marks 2013)  
8) Write notes on the following in about 150 words each.  10 Marks 
a) Differences between Social Anthropology and Sociology. 10 M (2016)    
b) Archaeological Anthropology (10Marks 2015,1992)  
c) Linguistic Anthropology (10Marks 2013 ,1990)  
d) Social & Cultural Anthropology (10Marks 1994) 
e) Applied Anthropology (1990)  
f) Theme of Linguistic Anthropology (1989)  
g) New Physical Anthropology (1989) 
 
1.4 Human Evolution and emergence of Man: (a) Biological and Cultural factors in 
human evolution. (b) Theories of Organic Evolution (Pre Darwinian, Darwinian and 
Post-Darwinian). (c) 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).  
1) Elucidate how Darwin and post-Darwin theories of evolution resulted in the 
development of Synthetic theory of evolution. 15 M (2020)  
2) Explain the biological changes that made human beings capable of making cultures. 20 
marks (2018)  
3) Critically examine the Darwin’s theory of evolution in understanding Evolution. 
(15Marks 2015)  
4) Biological Evolution of early man (1997)  
5) How Darwinism differs from the synthetic theory of organic evolution? (1994)  
6) What is Synthetic Theory of Evolution? Discuss how this theory helps us in 
understanding the evolutionary mechanism. (1993)  
7) Synthetic theory of evolution (1992)  
8) What is organic evolution? Give evidences for human evolution. (1992)  
    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9) What is Organic Evolution? Describe the theories of organic evolution. (1991)  
10) Theory of organic evolution (1985)  
11) Micro evolution (1990)  
12) Elucidate the theory of Evolution as put forward by Lamark.  
13) Give a critical account of the processes of organic evolution and explain how they 
contribute to speciation. (1988) 
14) Biological evolution and concept of new Physical Anthropology (1986)  
15) Lamarckism & Darwinism (1986)  
 
1.5 Characteristics of Primates; 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. Jane Goodall’s contributions in studying primate behaviour. 10 M (2020)  
2. Illustrate with examples the various types of locomotion pattern among non-human 
primates. 15 M (2020)  
3. Adaptive primate radiation (2019) 10 marks  
4. Discuss the evolutionary significance of bipedalism and erect posture. 20 marks (2019)  
5. Bring out the comparative anatomical features of man and apes. Discuss their 
evolutionary significance. (2017) 
6. Explain the skeletal changes due to erect posture and their implications. (2016)  
7. Elucidate the skeletal differences between humans and chimpanzees. (15Marks 2014)  
8. Role of Primatology in Anthropological studies. (10Marks 2013)  
9. Discuss the anatomical changes that occurred in Man due to erect posture. (1998)  
10. Discuss primate locomotion with special reference to adaptation to arboreal life. (1996) 
11. Adaptive radiation in primates (1995)  
12. Primate (1994)  
13. Narrate with reasons man’s place in primate order (1994)  
14. Discuss the similarities and differences between Chimpanzee & Man in salient physical 
and anatomical characteristics. (1993)  
15. Anthropoid Apes (1992, 1987)  
16. What are the characteristic physical features of the primates?  
17. Show the position of man among the other primates in a tabular form. (1992)  
18. Why is Man a primate? Describe the place of Man in the animal kingdom. (1991) 
19. Why is man included in the Primate Order? Discuss in detail. (1989)  
20. Characters of Primates (1988)   
21. Discuss the evolution of primates with special reference to dentition – (1986)  
22. What are the different fossil primates of the Palaeocene & Eocene times?   
23. Discuss critically the contribution of these primates to human origin? (1986)  
24. Give a brief account of the distribution and physical features of the Asiatic Anthropoid 
apes. (1985) 
    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.6 Phylogenetic status, characteristics and geographical distribution of the following:  
(a) Plio-pleistocene hominids in South and East Africa - Australopithecines. (b) Homo 
erectus: Africa (Paranthropus), Europe (Homo erectus heidelbergensis), Asia (Homo 
erectus javanicus, Homo erectus pekinensis). (c) Neanderthal Man- La-Chapelle-
auxsaints (Classical type), Mt. Carmel (Progressive type). (d) Rhodesian man. (e) Homo 
sapiens — Cromagnon, Grimaldi and Chancelede.  
1) Critically evaluate the contesting theories of the emergence and dispersal of modern 
Homo sapiens. 20 M (2020)  
2) Europeans are closer to Neanderthals’. Critically discuss in view of the African origin 
of human kind. (2019)  
3) Describe the culture related to homo erectus. 15marks (2018)  
4) Write short notes of 150 words on Rhodesian Man (2016)  
5) Describe the Salient characteristics & Geographical distribution of Homo erectus. 
(2015)  
6) Asian Homo erectus (10Marks 2014)  
7) Comment briefly on the phylogenetic position of Australopithecines (10Marks 2012)  
8) Neanderthal Man (15 Marks – 2011)  
9) Describe major skeletal similarities & differences between Home Erectus & Homo 
Sapiens (30 Marks – 2011)  
10) Culture of Homo erectus (15 Marks – 2010) 
11) Homo Habilis (20 Marks – 2009) 
12) Distinguish between major categories of Australopithecines. How are 
Australopithecines different from Apes? (30 Marks – 2009)  
13) Discuss the single source Vs multiple sources of the origin of Homo sapiens. Which 
one of the two hypotheses do you think is more tenable? Give reasons in support of 
your answer (1995) 
14) Homoerectus finds from Africa. (1995,1986)  
15) Homo sapiens – Neanderthalensis (1994)  
16) Compare the fossil remains of progressive and ‘classic’ Neanderthal men for 
anatomical characteristics and spatial distribution. Examine Their phylogenetic 
position in human evolution. (1993)  
17) Discuss the origin of Australopithecines. Describe their spatial distribution and physical 
features. (1990)  
18) Morphological characters of Homo erectus (1989)  
19) Write what you know about Homo sapiens and Neanderthalensis. (1989)  
20) Discuss the spatial distribution, physical features, cultural status and origin of 
Australopithecines (1987)  
21) What do you understand by the term Homo sapiens’? Give an account of the 
distribution and physical features of the earliest fossil homosapiens. (1985)  
22) Homo sapiens sapiens. (1996)  
23) Discuss the geographic distribution and taxonomic issues concerning early hominids. 
Elucidate evidence in support of alternative positions. (1996)  
Page 5


    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
PAPER-I 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.1 Meaning, scope and development of Anthropology. 1.2 Relationships with other 
disciplines: Social Sciences, Behavioural Sciences, Life Sciences, Medical Sciences, Earth 
Sciences and Humanities. 1.3 Main branches of Anthropology, their scope and relevance: 
(a) Social- cultural Anthropology. (b) Biological Anthropology. (c) Archaeological 
Anthropology. (d) Linguistic Anthropology.  
 
1) How can synergising the core branches of anthropology reinvigorate the holistic spirit 
of the discipline. 20 M (2020) 
2) Give an account of the field methods used in the study of Archaeological Anthropology. 
15 marks (2018)   
3) Define Anthropology. Describe the major branches of Anthropology elaborating on any 
one branch. (2017)  
4) Critically examine the role of anthropology in Contemporary India. (15Marks 2014)  
5) The Relevance of Anthropology (2018)  
6) Major subdivisions of Anthropology (10Marks 2014)  
7) How do you situate Anthropology in Social Sciences? (10Marks 2013)  
8) Write notes on the following in about 150 words each.  10 Marks 
a) Differences between Social Anthropology and Sociology. 10 M (2016)    
b) Archaeological Anthropology (10Marks 2015,1992)  
c) Linguistic Anthropology (10Marks 2013 ,1990)  
d) Social & Cultural Anthropology (10Marks 1994) 
e) Applied Anthropology (1990)  
f) Theme of Linguistic Anthropology (1989)  
g) New Physical Anthropology (1989) 
 
1.4 Human Evolution and emergence of Man: (a) Biological and Cultural factors in 
human evolution. (b) Theories of Organic Evolution (Pre Darwinian, Darwinian and 
Post-Darwinian). (c) 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).  
1) Elucidate how Darwin and post-Darwin theories of evolution resulted in the 
development of Synthetic theory of evolution. 15 M (2020)  
2) Explain the biological changes that made human beings capable of making cultures. 20 
marks (2018)  
3) Critically examine the Darwin’s theory of evolution in understanding Evolution. 
(15Marks 2015)  
4) Biological Evolution of early man (1997)  
5) How Darwinism differs from the synthetic theory of organic evolution? (1994)  
6) What is Synthetic Theory of Evolution? Discuss how this theory helps us in 
understanding the evolutionary mechanism. (1993)  
7) Synthetic theory of evolution (1992)  
8) What is organic evolution? Give evidences for human evolution. (1992)  
    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
9) What is Organic Evolution? Describe the theories of organic evolution. (1991)  
10) Theory of organic evolution (1985)  
11) Micro evolution (1990)  
12) Elucidate the theory of Evolution as put forward by Lamark.  
13) Give a critical account of the processes of organic evolution and explain how they 
contribute to speciation. (1988) 
14) Biological evolution and concept of new Physical Anthropology (1986)  
15) Lamarckism & Darwinism (1986)  
 
1.5 Characteristics of Primates; 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. Jane Goodall’s contributions in studying primate behaviour. 10 M (2020)  
2. Illustrate with examples the various types of locomotion pattern among non-human 
primates. 15 M (2020)  
3. Adaptive primate radiation (2019) 10 marks  
4. Discuss the evolutionary significance of bipedalism and erect posture. 20 marks (2019)  
5. Bring out the comparative anatomical features of man and apes. Discuss their 
evolutionary significance. (2017) 
6. Explain the skeletal changes due to erect posture and their implications. (2016)  
7. Elucidate the skeletal differences between humans and chimpanzees. (15Marks 2014)  
8. Role of Primatology in Anthropological studies. (10Marks 2013)  
9. Discuss the anatomical changes that occurred in Man due to erect posture. (1998)  
10. Discuss primate locomotion with special reference to adaptation to arboreal life. (1996) 
11. Adaptive radiation in primates (1995)  
12. Primate (1994)  
13. Narrate with reasons man’s place in primate order (1994)  
14. Discuss the similarities and differences between Chimpanzee & Man in salient physical 
and anatomical characteristics. (1993)  
15. Anthropoid Apes (1992, 1987)  
16. What are the characteristic physical features of the primates?  
17. Show the position of man among the other primates in a tabular form. (1992)  
18. Why is Man a primate? Describe the place of Man in the animal kingdom. (1991) 
19. Why is man included in the Primate Order? Discuss in detail. (1989)  
20. Characters of Primates (1988)   
21. Discuss the evolution of primates with special reference to dentition – (1986)  
22. What are the different fossil primates of the Palaeocene & Eocene times?   
23. Discuss critically the contribution of these primates to human origin? (1986)  
24. Give a brief account of the distribution and physical features of the Asiatic Anthropoid 
apes. (1985) 
    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.6 Phylogenetic status, characteristics and geographical distribution of the following:  
(a) Plio-pleistocene hominids in South and East Africa - Australopithecines. (b) Homo 
erectus: Africa (Paranthropus), Europe (Homo erectus heidelbergensis), Asia (Homo 
erectus javanicus, Homo erectus pekinensis). (c) Neanderthal Man- La-Chapelle-
auxsaints (Classical type), Mt. Carmel (Progressive type). (d) Rhodesian man. (e) Homo 
sapiens — Cromagnon, Grimaldi and Chancelede.  
1) Critically evaluate the contesting theories of the emergence and dispersal of modern 
Homo sapiens. 20 M (2020)  
2) Europeans are closer to Neanderthals’. Critically discuss in view of the African origin 
of human kind. (2019)  
3) Describe the culture related to homo erectus. 15marks (2018)  
4) Write short notes of 150 words on Rhodesian Man (2016)  
5) Describe the Salient characteristics & Geographical distribution of Homo erectus. 
(2015)  
6) Asian Homo erectus (10Marks 2014)  
7) Comment briefly on the phylogenetic position of Australopithecines (10Marks 2012)  
8) Neanderthal Man (15 Marks – 2011)  
9) Describe major skeletal similarities & differences between Home Erectus & Homo 
Sapiens (30 Marks – 2011)  
10) Culture of Homo erectus (15 Marks – 2010) 
11) Homo Habilis (20 Marks – 2009) 
12) Distinguish between major categories of Australopithecines. How are 
Australopithecines different from Apes? (30 Marks – 2009)  
13) Discuss the single source Vs multiple sources of the origin of Homo sapiens. Which 
one of the two hypotheses do you think is more tenable? Give reasons in support of 
your answer (1995) 
14) Homoerectus finds from Africa. (1995,1986)  
15) Homo sapiens – Neanderthalensis (1994)  
16) Compare the fossil remains of progressive and ‘classic’ Neanderthal men for 
anatomical characteristics and spatial distribution. Examine Their phylogenetic 
position in human evolution. (1993)  
17) Discuss the origin of Australopithecines. Describe their spatial distribution and physical 
features. (1990)  
18) Morphological characters of Homo erectus (1989)  
19) Write what you know about Homo sapiens and Neanderthalensis. (1989)  
20) Discuss the spatial distribution, physical features, cultural status and origin of 
Australopithecines (1987)  
21) What do you understand by the term Homo sapiens’? Give an account of the 
distribution and physical features of the earliest fossil homosapiens. (1985)  
22) Homo sapiens sapiens. (1996)  
23) Discuss the geographic distribution and taxonomic issues concerning early hominids. 
Elucidate evidence in support of alternative positions. (1996)  
    
UPSC (CSM) ANTHROPOLOGY- TOPICWISE PREVIOUS QUESTIONS 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
1.7 The biological basis of life: The Cell, DNA structure and replication, Protein 
Synthesis, Gene, Mutation, Chromosomes, and Cell Division.  
 
1.Write a short note on protein synthesis (2008)  
 
1.8 (a) Principles of Prehistoric Archaeology. Chronology: Relative and Absolute Dating 
methods. (b) Cultural Evolution- Broad Outlines of Prehistoric cultures: (i) Paleolithic 
(ii) Mesolithic (iii) Neolithic (iv) Chalcolithic (v) Copper-Bronze Age (vi) Iron Age  
1) Natufian culture. 10 M (2020)  
2) Differentiate between lower palaeolithic and middle palaeolithic culture with suitable 
examples. 15 M (2020)  
3) Discuss with examples the megalithic culture of India in the archaeological context. 
(2019)  
4) Olduvai gorge. 10 marks (2019)  
5) Elucidate Mesolithic culture and associated rock art with examples from India. 15 
marks (2019)  
6) Relative dating methods . (2019) 10 marks  
7) Discuss briefly the major traditions in the Upper Paleolithic cultures of Europe. 15 
marks (2019)  
8) Town planning of Harappan culture. 10 marks (2018)  
9) Give an account of the consequences of food production of Neolithic culture. 15 (2018)  
10) What are dating methods? Discuss one absolute method and one relative methods in 
detail. (2017)  
11) Salient features of Mesolithic culture (2017)  
12) Short notes on Neolithic Cultures of India (2016)  
13) Delineate the salient features of Chalcoloithic cultures. (2016)  
14) Paleolithic Culture (10Marks 2015)  
15) Describe the Neolithic culture of India. (15Marks 2014)  
16) Describe the absolute dating methods in Archaeology, Highlighting the importance of 
each method. (15Marks 2014)  
17) Carbon-14 method of dating (10Marks 2013)  
18) Problems of dating in Prehistoric Archaeology (1997)  
19) Radiometric methods of dating fossils (1996)  
20) Chronometric dating methods (1995) 
21) Why is the Neolithic phase of culture ‘in Europe called revolution? Describe its 
distinctive features. (1995)