Short notes
Concept of genetic polymorphism and selection, Mendelian population, Hardy-Weinberg law
Concept Of Genetic Polymorphism
Definition
Hence, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium is an ideal theoretical model, not a perfect description of real populations.
Selection
Definition
Culture and embodiment is a transformative paradigm in anthropology that examines how the human body is not merely a biological vessel, but a living site where social meanings, emotions, and power relations are physically inscribed, felt, and lived. This approach bridges the gap between biological and cultural anthropology, moving beyond the Western "mind-body dualism" to view the body as the very ground of cultural experience.
Mendelian Population
Definition
Hence, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium is an ideal theoretical model, not a perfect description of real populations.
Hardy-Weinberg Law
Definition
Hence, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium is an ideal theoretical model, not a perfect description of real populations.
Causes And Changes Which Bring Down Frequency
Definition
Hence, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium is an ideal theoretical model, not a perfect description of real populations.
Mutation
Definition
This is a phenomenon where the expression of a gene depends on which parent it was inherited from. Certain genes are "silenced" via DNA methylation during gamete formation.
Example / case study
- Phenylketonuria (PKU). A mutation on Chromosome 12 leads to an inability to metabolize phenylalanine, which subsequently causes intellectual disability, skin pigmentation loss, and neurological issues.
- HLA (Human Leukocyte Antigen) genes. On Chromosome 6, genes A, B, and C are linked and almost always inherited as a single unit.
- Prader-Willi Syndrome occurs if a specific segment of Chromosome 15 is deleted from the paternal side, while Angelman Syndrome results if the same segment is deleted from the maternal side.
Thinkers
- Marriage as Exchange: Lévi-Strauss used the Purum case to argue that kinship is fundamentally a system for the reciprocal exchange of women between groups, which acts as a form of social communication.
- Challenge to Descent Primacy: While British anthropologists like Radcliffe-Brown emphasized descent groups (lineages/clans) as the primary basis of social structure, the Purum system proved that marriage alliances are equally fundamental.
Isolation
Definition
It is a mechanism/barrier that prevents members of different populations or groups from interbreeding and producing fertile offspring.
Thinkers
- Philosophy for NEFA (1957) – Verrier Elwin
Migration
Definition
Isolated, simple, backward lifestyle.
Example / case study
- Yellamma – mother goddess of tribes, seen as incarnation of Parvati.
- Bhil story – integrated into Shiva-Parvati narrative.
- Helps reconstruct population history and gene flow.
- Measures genetic differentiation among populations.
Inbreeding
Definition
Inbreeding refers to non-random mating among genetically related individuals.
Genetic Drift. Consanguineous
Definition
The Synthetic Theory of Evolution (Neo-Darwinism) is the modern explanation of evolution that integrates Darwin’s theory of Natural Selection with Mendelian genetics, population genetics, cytology, molecular biology, and paleontology. It explains evolution as changes in allele (gene) frequencies within populations over generations.
Example / case study
- Some protein variants with no adaptive value
- Importance: Useful in population genetics and ancestry studies.
- Variation in chromosome structure or number within a population.
Non-Consanguineous Mating
Definition
Hence, Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium is an ideal theoretical model, not a perfect description of real populations.
Genetic Load
Definition
Gene imprinting is a phenomenon where certain genes are expressed differently depending on whether they are inherited from the mother or father.
Example / case study
- Rh incompatibility (Rh+ father × Rh– mother → Erythroblastosis fetalis).
- HLA-B and ABC genes are linked but not inherited together.
- African slaves with sickle-cell gene (beneficial in Africa) suffered in cold American regions.
Genetic Effect Of Consanguineous
Definition
The Synthetic Theory of Evolution (Neo-Darwinism) is the modern explanation of evolution that integrates Darwin’s theory of Natural Selection with Mendelian genetics, population genetics, cytology, molecular biology, and paleontology. It explains evolution as changes in allele (gene) frequencies within populations over generations.
Cousin Marriages
Definition
Biological anthropology studies human evolution, heredity, variation and adaptation using scientific methods, while recognising the influence of culture on biology.
Example / case study
- Lactase persistence → long-term milk consumption in pastoral populations → selection for lactose tolerance.
- Thus, biological anthropology connects genetic evolution with culturally created dietary practices.
- 2. Archaeological Anthropology — Material Science + Human Meaning
- Over 100 years, several European royals are carriers now.
Thinkers
- Claude Lévi-Strauss: Used genealogical/kinship data to develop Alliance Theory, focusing on marriage and exchange between lineages.
- India: S.C. Roy documented Oraon genealogies; Irawati Karve used genealogical mapping to study village kinship and exogamy in Maharashtra.