The Application of Evolutionary Principles to the Study of Human

question 50

Multiple Choice

The application of evolutionary principles to the study of human variation

• A) reinforced traditional views of races as fixed biological entities that do not change
• B) allowed scientists to ignore the adaptive significance of most traits
• C) helped replace earlier views based solely on observed phenotypes
• D) allowed scientists to divide the human species precisely into well-defined races
• E) has been of little value for understanding human variation

---

Definitions:

Polygamy

Expands the nuclear family "horizontally" by adding one or more spouses (usually women) to the household.

Family Form

The structural composition of a family unit, which can vary greatly across cultures and over time, including nuclear families, extended families, single-parent families, etc.

Talcott Parsons

An American sociologist known for his work in the theory of social action, the structure of social systems, and the role of values in social stability.

Irreducible Function

A fundamental role or purpose of a system or structure that cannot be simplified or reduced to its components without losing its essence.