Chapter 6: Human Adaptation

Essay Questions

  1. What 4 ways can humans adapt to environmental stresses? Choose 1 stress discussed in Chapter 6 and illustrate each of these 4 ways that human respond to the stress.
  2. What is the biological anthropologist’s position on the relationship between cranial features and racial classification? Is there a correlation with cranial features and climate? Explain.
  3. How can an understanding of human morphological variation and climate help anthropologists in interpreting human fossil remains? Provide 3 specific examples of variation and its application to the fossil record.
  4. As a biological anthropologist, assess the adaptive responses available to humans who go backpacking in the high country (above 2,500 meters). Are there any particular recommendations that you would make to a friend taking such a week-long trip?
  5. Culture is often referred to as the major adaptive feature of humans. Explain why. Provide 3 specific examples as discussed in Chapter 6 to support your answer.
Relethford Home Student Resource Index Part 1 Index

Copyright ©2001 The McGraw-Hill Companies. Any use is subject to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. McGraw-Hill Higher Education is one of the many fine businesses of
The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc..
Corporate Link