Anthropology Mock Tests

WB SLST 2025 - Anthropology Syllabus for Class XI-XII

This syllabus offers a comprehensive study of human origins, biological evolution, social structures, and cultural diversity, preparing students for a thorough understanding of Anthropology with an examination focus.

1. Biological Anthropology

This section introduces the biological foundation of humans and our closest relatives.

• Human Anatomy and Skeleton: Study of human body structure, skeletal system, and identification of sex through bone analysis.
• Primates and Living Apes: Characteristics and classification of primates, including modern apes.
• Fossil Records and Evolutionary Theories: Examination of major evolutionary theories such as Lamarckism, Darwinism, and the Modern Synthesis.
• Proto-hominids: Study of early human ancestors likeAustralopithecus and their significance in human evolution.

2. Palaeoanthropology & Prehistory

This section focuses on the stages of human evolution and prehistoric cultures.

• Human Evolution Stages: From early primates likeAegyptopithecus to modern humans (Homo sapiens ).
• Prehistoric Cultures: Overview of prehistoric societies in India and worldwide, including tool use and cultural development.
• Excavation and Dating Techniques: Methods such as archaeological excavation and scientific dating techniques like Carbon-14 (C-14) dating.
• Major Ancient Civilizations: Study of civilizations like the Indus Valley and their contributions to human history.

3. Social & Cultural Anthropology

This section explores the diversity of human societies and cultural practices.

• Human Societies and Social Structures: Concepts of kinship, caste systems, tribal organizations, and gender roles.
• Religion and Rituals: Examination of religious beliefs, rituals, and their social significance.
• Comparative Study of Tribes: Detailed comparison of Indian tribes such as the Santal and Toda with global tribes like the Inuit and Arunta.
• Cultural Aspects: Study of food habits, clothing, laws, and customs across different societies.

4. Human Genetics & Population Biology

This section covers the genetic basis of human diversity and adaptation.

• Genetics Fundamentals: Mendels laws of inheritance, DNA structure, and genetic research methodologies.
• Racial Classification and Gene Frequencies: Understanding human racial diversity and population genetics.
• Adaptation to Environments: How human populations adapt biologically and culturally to different environments.
• Indian Population Diversity: Study of the genetic and cultural diversity within Indian populations.

Important Notes and Tips

• Focus on understanding evolutionary concepts and their practical examples.
• Pay special attention to archaeological methods and dating techniques as these are frequently examined.
• Use comparative charts for tribes and cultural practices to enhance memorization.
• Practice diagrams of human skeleton and evolutionary trees for better retention.
• Relate genetic concepts to real-world population studies for applied understanding.

Emphasis is placed on both theoretical knowledge and practical application to prepare students effectively for the WB SLST examination.