5(d) Anthropometry in ergonomics.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Applications of Anthropology > Ergonomics > Anthropometry
Genetic Polymorphism and Natural Selection — 2026 Paper I
Question · 2026 · Paper I · 10 Marks
Genetic polymorphism and natural selection.
Model Answer
VAID ICSApproach
|
Model Answer
Introduction: Genetic polymorphism is the occurrence of two or more inherited variants at a locus in an interbreeding population at appreciable frequencies, too high to be explained simply by recurrent mutation. Its frequency pattern reflects selection as well as drift, gene flow and demographic history.
Natural selection influences polymorphism in two broad ways.
- Transient polymorphism: Under directional selection, one allele has higher fitness in a particular environment and progressively rises in frequency; variation may therefore decline over time.
- Balanced polymorphism: Selection can maintain two or more alleles when their fitness advantages differ among genotypes or environments. The classic human example is the HbA/HbS system in malaria-endemic regions, anticipated in J. B. S. Haldane’s discussion of malaria and haemoglobin variants. But it is A C Allison 1954 demonstrated that , HbS causes sickle-cell disease, while HbA lacks the malaria-related protection associated with HbS. HbS heterozygotes obtain substantial protection against severe falciparum malaria while usually avoiding severe sickling disease. This heterozygote advantage maintains both alleles in the population.
Other examples include malaria-related selection involving some G6PD variants. Gene–culture change can also create new selective environments, as dairying did for lactase persistence.
Conclusion: Natural selection does not invariably eliminate genetic variation; under particular ecological conditions it can actively maintain adaptive polymorphism in human populations.
Want feedback on your answer?
Join the Anthropology workshop or get structured answer-writing guidance from VAID ICS.
UPSC Anthropology Optional 2026 — Paper I
28 questionsSyllabus: Paper I > Culture and Personality > Basic personality structure > National character
1(b) Canalization and catch-up growth.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Growth and Development > Growth patterns > Canalization and catch-up growth
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Mendelian inheritance in man > Pedigree analysis
8(a) Compare Edmund Leach's structuralism with interpretive anthropology of Clifford Geertz.
20 Marks
Syllabus: Paper I > Anthropological Theories > Structuralism and interpretive anthropology > Leach and Geertz
5(a) Ethics in anthropological fieldwork.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Research Methods > Fieldwork > Ethics in fieldwork
1(e) Ethnoarchaeology and classical archaeology.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Archaeological Anthropology > Approaches > Ethnoarchaeology and classical archaeology
5(c) Feminist movement and family.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Family > Contemporary trends > Feminist movement and family
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Biology > Demography > Fertility and mortality
1(d) Genetic polymorphism and natural selection.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Genetic polymorphism > Natural selection
1(a) Health as a cultural construct.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Applications of Anthropology > Medical Anthropology > Culture and health
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Evolution > Biological and cultural factors > Biocultural evolution
4(b) Discuss 'incest taboo' as the basis of development of kinship systems in human societies.
15 Marks
Syllabus: Paper I > Kinship > Incest taboo > Development of kinship systems
Syllabus: Paper I > Anthropological Theories > Neo-evolutionism > Leslie White and culturology
Syllabus: Paper I > Palaeolithic Cultures > Upper Palaeolithic > Magdalenian tradition
Syllabus: Paper I > Research Methods > Methodology > Mixed methods
1(c) Myth as oral literature.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Religion, Myth and Ritual > Myth > Myth as oral literature
5(b) Distinguishing features of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > DNA > Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Chromosomal aberrations > Numerical aberrations
Syllabus: Paper I > Palaeolithic Cultures > Distribution > Himalayan and Sub-Himalayan sites
Syllabus: Paper I > Fossil Hominids > Australopithecines > Paranthropus
Syllabus: Paper I > Political Organization and Social Control > Power and authority > Change with political organization
Syllabus: Paper I > Religion > Functions of religion > Cultural adaptation to environment
Syllabus: Paper I > Human Genetics > Applied genetics > Serogenetics, cytogenetics and reproductive technology
Syllabus: Paper I > Applications of Anthropology > Sports Anthropology > Somatotyping and the Heath-Carter method
Syllabus: Paper I > Primatology > Primate taxonomy > Strepsirhini and Haplorhini
2(c) How is the theory of structuralism helpful in understanding the concepts of caste and gender?
15 Marks
Syllabus: Paper I > Anthropological Theories > Structuralism > Application to caste and gender
5(e) Thermoluminescence dating method.
10 Marks150 words
Syllabus: Paper I > Archaeological Anthropology > Dating methods > Thermoluminescence