Here are all 143 Human Genetics, Variation and Ecological Anthropology questions asked in UPSC Anthropology Optional Paper I from 1995 to 2026, arranged under the 8 topics of the official syllabus. Within each topic the latest questions come first.
Each question ends with a code such as [2024/15m/3b] – the year, the marks, the word limit (where UPSC set one) and the question number in the paper.
9.1] Human genetics: methods and application
11 questions
How would you find out that a particular disease/disorder is inherited and, if so, in which manner? Elaborate with suitable examples. [2026/20m/6a]
Differentiate between pedigree and genealogical analyses. Discuss the history and application of these methods in anthropological studies. [2025/15m/3c]
Write a short note on: Pedigree analysis in genetic counselling. [2022/10m/150w/1d]
Write a short note on: Advanced Molecular Anthropology Techniques. [2018/10m/150w/5b]
Briefly describe the various methods used in the genetic study of man. [2017/20m/7a]
Write a short note on: Twin method in human genetics. [2013/10m/150w/5d]
Write a short note on: Pedigree Analysis. [2007/20m/R5]
Write a short note on: Recombinant DNA technology. [2001/20m/R4]
Discuss the role of twins in nature-nurture problems and illustrate your answer with suitable examples. [1999/50m/10]
Define twins. Describe the method of diagnosis of twins. In what ways are twins useful in the study of human genetics? [1998/50m/9]
Discuss the recent developments in genetic techniques and comment upon their potential social significance. [1997/50m/10]
9.2] Mendelian genetics in man
10 questions
How would you find out that a particular disease/disorder is inherited and, if so, in which manner? Elaborate with suitable examples. [2026/20m/6a]
Write a short note on: Mendelian and non-Mendelian traits. [2025/10m/150w/1a]
Write a short note on: Lethal and sublethal genes. [2024/10m/150w/1d]
Write a short note on: Heritability and its estimation. [2024/10m/150w/5c]
What is a multifactorial trait? Illustrate your answer with suitable human examples. [2024/15m/7b]
Write a short note on: Polygenic Inheritance. [2023/10m/150w/5a]
Write a short note on: Categorize Genes that influence Human Survival. [2018/10m/150w/5c]
Critically discuss the Mendelian principles and their application to human populations. [2016/15m/7a]
What are lethal and sub-lethal genes? Explain. [2012/20m/3c]
Discuss monogenic and polygenic inheritance in man, citing suitable examples. [2011/30m/6b]
9.3] Genetic polymorphism, Hardy-Weinberg law and population genetics
27 questions
Write a short note on: Genetic polymorphism and natural selection. [2026/10m/150w/1d]
What assumptions must be met for a population to be in genetic equilibrium? Explain the importance of genetic equilibrium. [2023/15m/7b]
Write a short note on: Balanced and transient genetic polymorphism. [2022/10m/150w/5a]
Discuss the role of evolutionary forces in creating human diversity. [2022/20m/7a]
Write a short note on: Genetic drift. [2020/10m/150w/5b]
How do marriage rules impact the gene pool of populations? [2020/15m/7c]
Differentiate between transient and balanced genetic polymorphism. Illustrate your answer with suitable examples from human populations. [2019/15m/4c]
Explain the mechanisms of human variation in gene frequencies. [2018/20m/6a]
Write a short note on: Hardy-Weinberg law. [2017/10m/150w/5a]
Define genetic polymorphism. Give details of its types with suitable examples. [2015/15m/8b]
Discuss the factors affecting gene frequencies among human populations. [2014/20m/7a]
What do you understand by ‘Genetic Load’ in a population? How is it measured and what are the important factors that can influence it? [2013/15m/250w/6b]
What are the genetic effects of consanguinity? Give examples. [2012/20m/8b]
Write a short note on: Genetic polymorphism. [2011/15m/150w/5a]
Write a short note on: Conditions necessary for the operation of Hardy-Weinberg Law. [2011/15m/150w/5c]
What is Balanced Genetic Polymorphism? How is it maintained in a population? [2010/30m/3a]
Write a short note on: Anthropological relevance of population genetics. [2009/20m/200w/5c]
What is ‘genetic load’ and what factors influence it? [2009/30m/6b]
Write a short note on: Inbreeding. [2008/20m/200w/5c]
What do you understand by Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium? Discuss the factors that produce and redistribute variations. [2008/60m/7]
Write a short note on: Genetic Polymorphism. [2006/20m/R5]
Write a short note on: Problems of Inbreeding. [2005/20m/R5]
Describe in brief the major causes of change in gene frequency of a population. [2003/60m/R12]
Write a short note on: Genetic Polymorphism and Selection. [2003/20m/R5]
Define Hardy-Weinberg law and state briefly how Hardy-Weinberg law is applicable in population human genetics? [1998/50m/8]
Discuss the concept of ‘Mendelian population’ and its application in the study of anthropo-genetic variations in India. [1997/50m/8]
Discuss the concepts of balanced polymorphism and relaxed selection with special reference to Malaria-dependent polymorphisms in man. [1996/50m/R19]
9.4] Chromosomes and chromosomal aberrations in man
22 questions
Numerical chromosomal aberrations can be due to abnormalities in autosomes as well as sex chromosomes. Elaborate in terms of the effects these have on human body, giving suitable examples. [2026/15m/4c]
“Genome-wide Disease Association Studies (GWAS) advanced our understanding of health and disease.” Discuss. [2025/15m/8b]
What is meant by karyotype? How does its analysis help in diagnosis of the chromosomal aberrations in man? [2024/20m/3a]
Write a short note on: Single-gene mutation disorders in man. [2024/10m/150w/5e]
Describe the causes of structural abnormalities of chromosomes with suitable examples. [2023/15m/8b]
Write a short note on: Genetic imprinting in human diseases. [2022/10m/150w/5b]
“Chromosomal aberrations can play havoc with the human body and mind.” Explain with suitable examples. [2021/15m/4c]
How may numerical aberrations in sex chromosomes lead to genetic disorders? [2020/15m/6c]
Describe the mechanisms for structural anomalies of autosomes with diagrams. [2018/20m/7a]
Write a short note on: Down’s Syndrome. [2015/10m/150w/5b]
Discuss chromosomal aberrations in man illustrating with examples. [2015/15m/6c]
Write a short note on: Genetic Counselling. [2014/10m/150w/5b]
Describe Turner and Klinefelter Syndromes in humans. [2014/15m/6b]
Write a short note on: Genetic counselling. [2012/12m/150w/5d]
Discuss the chromosomal aberrations and manifestations of Klinefelter and Turner syndromes. [2012/20m/6c]
Chromosomal deletions and numerical fluctuations may lead to gross abnormalities in man. Discuss with the help of suitable examples. [2010/30m/7b]
Discuss different types of sex chromosomal aberrations. [2007/60m/R12]
Write a short note on: Genome Study. [2007/20m/R6]
Write a short note on: Klinefelter syndrome. [2003/20m/R6]
Write a short note on: Genetic Counselling. [2002/20m/R5]
Write a short note on: Genetic counselling. [1998/25m/200w/6a]
Discuss the genetical and clinical aspects of the anomalies of sex chromosomes in man with special reference to the associated mosaic constitutions. [1995/50m/R16]
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15 questions
Write a short note on: Race and Ethnicity. [2023/10m/150w/1c]
Is race a valid and biologically meaningful concept? [2021/10m/150w/5c]
Write a short note on: Racism and Eugenics. [2020/10m/150w/5a]
With reference to the somatoscopic and morphometric characteristics commonly used for racial classification, make critical comments as to whether ‘Race’ is a valid concept. [2019/20m/4a]
Race is a Myth. Justify its Present Day Relevance. [2018/10m/150w/5d]
Write a short note on: Concept of race. [2017/10m/150w/5c]
Explain the role of heredity and environment in the formation of races. [2016/15m/6b]
Differentiate between Race and Racism. What are three major races of the world? Give important biological criteria used frequently for such a classification. [2013/15m/250w/8c]
Discuss race crossing in humans with suitable examples. [2012/20m/2a]
Is Race a valid concept? Critically assess the relevance of racial classification in the Indian context. [2010/30m/8b]
Write a short note on: Racial Criteria. [2006/20m/R6]
Write a short note on: Race and Racism. [2004/20m/R5]
Write a short note on: Racial criteria. [1999/25m/200w/6b]
What is ‘race’? Enumerate and discuss the factors responsible for the formation of races. [1998/50m/7]
Write a short note on: Controversies of race. [1996/25m/R6]
9.6] Age, sex and population variation as genetic marker; physiological characteristics
12 questions
What are genetic markers? Discuss their applications in understanding population variation, disease association and forensics. [2025/20m/6a]
Write a short note on: Hemoglobin in health and disease. [2024/10m/150w/1e]
Describe the genetics and inheritance patterns of the ABO and Rh blood groups in man. [2024/15m/8b]
What do you understand by blood group systems? How is HLA system different from those based on red cell antigens? [2022/15m/8b]
Write a short note on: Rh-Blood Group. [2016/10m/150w/5a]
What do you understand by Immunogenetics? Explain with suitable examples. [2015/15m/8c]
What are genetic markers and what is their usefulness? Why are blood groups considered as good markers? Illustrate with examples. [2013/15m/250w/7c]
Give a comparative account of variations in haemoglobin level and respiratory functions among the populations living under different environmental stresses. [2012/30m/4b]
Write a short note on: Respiratory functions. [2011/15m/150w/5d]
Write a short note on: Genetics of HLA and organ transplantation. [2009/20m/200w/5b]
Write a short note on: ABO and Rh blood group distribution in human populations. [2008/20m/200w/5b]
Evaluate genetic heterogeneity of ABO, Rh and Gm antigens. Discuss how the principal human groups can be distinguished on the basis of their blood antigen characteristics. [2000/60m/6]
9.7] Ecological anthropology: bio-cultural adaptations
26 questions
How political economy is integrated with ecological and adaptability perspectives in bio-cultural anthropology? [2025/15m/2c]
What is acclimatization? Discuss adaptive responses to high altitude and cold climate. [2021/20m/6a]
Describe the biocultural responses to extreme climatic events. [2020/15m/7b]
“Human adaptations are always bio-cultural in nature.” Discuss with reference to human adaptation to high-altitude climate. [2019/15m/6b]
Do Allen’s rule and Bergmann’s rule hold for human populations? Explain with examples. [2018/15m/6b]
Distinguish between adaptation, adaptability and acclimatization with examples. [2018/20m/8a]
Discuss the responses and acclimatization to high altitude stresses. [2017/15m/7b]
Discuss the genetic and non-genetic factors in the bio-cultural adaptations of human beings to different environments. [2016/20m/8b]
Critically examine the physiological responses and acclimatization to cold climate in Man. [2015/15m/7b]
Write a short note on: Ecological Anthropology. [2014/10m/150w/1d]
What are the stresses at high altitudes? How do better cardio-respiratory functions help the native highlanders in combating low environmental pressure? [2014/15m/6c]
Elaborate upon major human adaptations to heat and cold. [2013/15m/250w/7b]
Give a comparative account of variations in haemoglobin level and respiratory functions among the populations living under different environmental stresses. [2012/30m/4b]
How does improved aerobic fitness increase exercise tolerance in warm humid climates? Give suitable examples in support of your answer. [2012/20m/6a]
Native highlanders are well adapted to the high altitude environment. Discuss. [2011/30m/7b]
Define adaptability. What biocultural adjustments do humans show in coping up with stress at high altitude? [2008/60m/6]
Examine adaptive significance of Human Variations in Tropical and Arctic climatic zones. [2007/60m/R13]
Write a short note on: Biological adaptation. [2002/20m/R6]
Write a short note on: Ecological Anthropology. [2001/20m/R5]
Write a short note on: Genetic Adaptation. [2000/20m/200w/5c]
Define ecosystem. Explain with examples, how biocultural adaptive qualities have helped human survival in stressful eco-conditions. [2000/60m/7]
Discuss the mechanism by which the human body adapts to altitudinal changes and other geographical stresses. [1999/50m/9]
Write a short note on: Ecological Anthropology. [1997/25m/200w/1a]
How are body size and shape related to climatic adaptation? Discuss the ecological rules with examples from human situations. [1997/50m/9]
Define adaptability. Compare the adaptive response in man to stresses at high altitudes and in a hot desert environment. [1995/50m/R17]
What is cultural ecology? Discuss how man adapts himself to different environments, giving suitable examples. [1995/50m/R18]
9.8] Epidemiological anthropology
20 questions
Write a short note on: Foetal origin of adult diseases and contribution of David Barker. [2025/10m/150w/5e]
Critically comment on the lifestyle diseases and their impact on human health. [2024/15m/2c]
Elucidate the different forms of malnutrition. Describe protein-calorie malnutrition with suitable examples. [2023/15m/2c]
What is meant by health? Is the burden of life style diseases on the rise? Justify your answer with suitable examples. [2022/15m/6b]
Critically examine the demographic and epidemiological consequences with rise in food production and sedentism. [2020/15m/3b]
Describe the impact of infectious diseases on indigenous populations. [2020/15m/6b]
Narrate evolution of disease and major causes of ill health in human populations. [2018/15m/7c]
Describe the scope of Epidemiological Anthropology in the study of infectious and non-infectious diseases. [2016/20m/7c]
Discuss the role of anthropology in the understanding of health and disease. What specific understanding is available with respect to infectious and non-infectious diseases? [2014/20m/2c]
Write a short note on: Epidemiological Anthropology. [2014/10m/150w/5c]
What is meant by epidemiological transition? Elaborate upon its causes and consequences highlighting major health problem of our adult population today. [2013/15m/250w/8b]
Write a short note on: Epidemiological anthropology. [2012/12m/150w/5e]
Briefly discuss the important causes for the variations in occurrence and intensity of parasitic diseases among different populations. [2012/20m/8a]
Write a short note on: Social concept of disease. [2010/15m/150w/5b]
Write a short note on: Non-communicable diseases. [2009/20m/200w/5a]
Write a short note on: Thrifty genotype. [2009/20m/200w/5d]
Write a short note on: Drug Abuse. [2005/20m/R6]
Write a short note on: Impact of smoking on Health. [2004/20m/R6]
Write a short note on: Malnutrition. [2000/20m/200w/5b]
Write a short note on: Medical Anthropology. [1996/25m/R1]
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Last updated: 30 October 2026