ANT 300 Exam 2 V3 | ANT 300 Cultural
Anthropology | Q&A with Rationale
(ANT300 Exam 2) | Nightingale College
1. Which subsistence strategy is characterized by the low-intensity use of land and labor,
typically involving the ‘slash-and-burn’ technique?
A. Pastoralism
B. Intensive Agriculture
C. Foraging
D. Horticulture
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Horticulture utilizes simple tools and non-permanent plots of land to cultivate
plants. The slash-and-burn technique is a primary method used to clear land and provide
nutrients to the soil. This strategy differs from intensive agriculture because it allows fields
to lie fallow for long periods to recover.
2. In the study of kinship, which term describes a descent group where membership is traced
through the female line only?
A. Patrilineal descent
B. Ambilineal descent
C. Bilateral descent
,D. Matrilineal descent
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Matrilineal descent systems track ancestry and inheritance through the mother’s
lineage. In such societies, individuals belong to their mother’s group for life, and property
often passes from maternal uncles to nephews. This structure is distinct from patrilineal
systems where the male line is the primary focus of kinship.
3. What type of reciprocity involves an immediate exchange of goods of equal value, often
occurring between strangers or distant associates?
A. Generalized reciprocity
B. Redistributive reciprocity
C. Negative reciprocity
D. Balanced reciprocity
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Balanced reciprocity is characterized by the expectation of an immediate or
timely return of something of equal value. This form of exchange serves to maintain social
relationships without the deep emotional ties found in generalized reciprocity. It is
frequently observed in trade scenarios among groups that are not closely related.
4. According to Elman Service’s typology, which political system is centralized, has a
permanent administrative structure, and maintains a monopoly on the use of force?
A. Tribe
, B. Band
C. State
D. Chiefdom
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A state is the most complex form of political organization and is defined by a
centralized government. Unlike bands or tribes, states have formal laws and a military or
police force to enforce them. They also typically feature social stratification and specialized
bureaucracy to manage large populations.
5. The marriage practice where one woman is married to two or more men simultaneously is
known as:
A. Polyandry
B. Polygyny
C. Serial monogamy
D. Group marriage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Polyandry is a rare form of polygamy where one female has multiple husbands.
It is often found in societies with scarce land resources, such as in parts of Tibet, to keep
family estates intact. This practice is significantly less common globally than polygyny,
which involves one man and multiple wives.
Anthropology | Q&A with Rationale
(ANT300 Exam 2) | Nightingale College
1. Which subsistence strategy is characterized by the low-intensity use of land and labor,
typically involving the ‘slash-and-burn’ technique?
A. Pastoralism
B. Intensive Agriculture
C. Foraging
D. Horticulture
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Horticulture utilizes simple tools and non-permanent plots of land to cultivate
plants. The slash-and-burn technique is a primary method used to clear land and provide
nutrients to the soil. This strategy differs from intensive agriculture because it allows fields
to lie fallow for long periods to recover.
2. In the study of kinship, which term describes a descent group where membership is traced
through the female line only?
A. Patrilineal descent
B. Ambilineal descent
C. Bilateral descent
,D. Matrilineal descent
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Matrilineal descent systems track ancestry and inheritance through the mother’s
lineage. In such societies, individuals belong to their mother’s group for life, and property
often passes from maternal uncles to nephews. This structure is distinct from patrilineal
systems where the male line is the primary focus of kinship.
3. What type of reciprocity involves an immediate exchange of goods of equal value, often
occurring between strangers or distant associates?
A. Generalized reciprocity
B. Redistributive reciprocity
C. Negative reciprocity
D. Balanced reciprocity
Correct Answer: D
Rationale: Balanced reciprocity is characterized by the expectation of an immediate or
timely return of something of equal value. This form of exchange serves to maintain social
relationships without the deep emotional ties found in generalized reciprocity. It is
frequently observed in trade scenarios among groups that are not closely related.
4. According to Elman Service’s typology, which political system is centralized, has a
permanent administrative structure, and maintains a monopoly on the use of force?
A. Tribe
, B. Band
C. State
D. Chiefdom
Correct Answer: C
Rationale: A state is the most complex form of political organization and is defined by a
centralized government. Unlike bands or tribes, states have formal laws and a military or
police force to enforce them. They also typically feature social stratification and specialized
bureaucracy to manage large populations.
5. The marriage practice where one woman is married to two or more men simultaneously is
known as:
A. Polyandry
B. Polygyny
C. Serial monogamy
D. Group marriage
Correct Answer: A
Rationale: Polyandry is a rare form of polygamy where one female has multiple husbands.
It is often found in societies with scarce land resources, such as in parts of Tibet, to keep
family estates intact. This practice is significantly less common globally than polygyny,
which involves one man and multiple wives.
