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Home/Anthropology/Mains PYQ/2018/Paper I/Human Genetics & Human Biology
UPSC MainsAnthropology Optional Paper I 2018 10 Marks Model Answer Available

Advanced Molecular Anthropology Techniques — 2018 Paper I

Question · 2018 · Paper I · 10 Marks

Advanced Molecular Anthropology Techniques

Model Answer

VAID ICS

Approach

  • Demand of Question: Identify major advanced molecular techniques used to investigate human biological variation and evolutionary history.
  • Structuring the Response: Briefly explain key DNA-based methods and connect each with anthropological applications.
  • Key Dimensions to Cover: PCR, STRs, SNPs, mtDNA, Y-chromosome, DNA sequencing, NGS, ancient DNA, genomics and bioinformatics.

Model Answer

Introduction: Molecular anthropology uses DNA variation to reconstruct human evolution, migration, population relationships and adaptation. Advances in molecular biology have greatly increased the amount and precision of genetic information available to anthropologists.

Major techniques:

  1. PCR: Polymerase Chain Reaction amplifies small DNA fragments, permitting analysis even from limited biological material.
  2. STR analysis: Highly variable short tandem repeats are useful in:
    • population studies;
    • kinship analysis;
    • forensic identification.
  3. SNP genotyping: Single nucleotide polymorphisms allow fine-scale analysis of population structure and ancestry.
  4. mtDNA analysis: Because mitochondrial DNA is maternally inherited, it helps reconstruct maternal lineages and population migrations.
  5. Y-chromosome markers: Trace paternal lineages and male-mediated population history.
  6. Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): Enables rapid sequencing of millions of DNA fragments and whole genomes.
  7. Ancient DNA: DNA extracted from archaeological remains reveals past populations and admixture, including Neanderthal and Denisovan contributions.
  8. Bioinformatics: Computational methods compare large genomic datasets.

Thus:

DNA sample → Molecular analysis → Population history and adaptation

Conclusion: Advanced molecular techniques have shifted biological anthropology from morphological comparison toward increasingly precise genomic reconstruction of human evolutionary history.

2026 Distinguishing features of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA. 2026 How would you find out that a particular disease/disorder is inherited and, if so, in which manner? Elaborate with suitable examples. 2026 What do you understand by fertility and mortality? How are these influenced by biological and socio-ecological factors? 2026 In what manner is our understanding of serogenetics and cytogenetics useful in reproductive biology? What are the major ethical issues involved in reproductive technology?

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UPSC Anthropology Optional 2018 — Paper I

28 questions

5(b) Advanced Molecular Anthropology Techniques

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 9.1 Human Genetics: Methods and Application > D.N.A. technology and recombinant technologies
2018Paper IHuman Genetics & Human BiologyModel answer available

1(d) Kinship Terminology

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 2.5 Kinship > Kinship terminology
2018Paper IKinshipModel answer available

1(a) The Relevance of Anthropology

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.1 Meaning, Scope and Development of Anthropology > Relevance of Anthropology
2018Paper IFoundations of AnthropologyModel answer available

1(c) Town Planning of Harappan Culture

10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > 1.8(b) Cultural Evolution: broad outlines of prehistoric cultures > Chalcolithic and Harappan
2018Paper IPrehistoric ArchaeologyModel answer available