Origins of Agriculture and Human Evolution
A PNAS study on the origins of agriculture and its role in human evolution and the transition to farming societies – for UPSC Anthropology.
Sarvagya – Anthropology Notes
Comprehensive topic-wise notes for UPSC Anthropology Optional
Humans Age Faster at Two Sharp Peaks
Research suggests human molecular ageing accelerates at two sharp peaks rather than steadily, with implications for human biology and the lifespan.
Endogamy and Genetic Risk: Why Reddys Face Higher Incidence of Ankylosing Spondylitis
Endogamy concentrates rare inherited variants within communities, raising genetic risk – a population-genetics theme relevant to UPSC Anthropology.
Early Human Hands: Climbing and Tool-Making in Our Ancestors
A 2025 Science Advances study of Australopithecus sediba and Homo naledi shows hands built for both climbing and manipulation — key Paper 1 evidence for UPSC Anthropology.
Great Nicobar Project to wipe out Shompen
How the Great Nicobar development project threatens the Shompen, a particularly vulnerable tribal group – displacement, isolation and rights for UPSC Anthropology.
Harappans’ contribution to ancient Indian knowledge — diluted or exaggerated
A look at debates over whether the Harappan civilisation’s contribution to ancient Indian knowledge has been diluted or exaggerated – for UPSC Anthropology.
Humans are evolving right in front of our eyes on the Tibetan Plateau
Populations on the Tibetan Plateau show ongoing genetic adaptation to high-altitude, low-oxygen conditions, a living example of contemporary human evolution.
PARENTAL GENES INDIRECTLY INFLUENCE CHILD DEVELOPMENT
Parents’ genes can shape a child’s development indirectly through the environment they create – genetic nurture, a genetics theme for UPSC Anthropology.
EARLY HUMANS THRIVED ON A PLANT-BASED DIET (780,000 YEARS AGO)
Evidence from an early human site indicates a substantial plant-based diet around 780,000 years ago – dietary anthropology relevant to UPSC Anthropology.
Why Chimpanzees Share Fermented Fruit: Alcohol, Bonding and Human Origins
Wild chimpanzees share low-ethanol fermented fruit in social settings — a case study in chimpanzee social bonding, commensality and the drunken monkey hypothesis for UPSC Anthropology.