Environmental Adaptations
Zulu Population
1. During the Winter (May-September), the dry season has very little rain and bright clear skies. In May, it is typically 81°F in the afternoon. From June-August, the afternoons average 75°F. In September, spring begins with the average temperature around 61°F. In Summer (October- April), the wet season begins. In October and November the average temperature is typically 82°F. From December-February, most days become very humid and hot with frequent thunderstorms. In March and April temperatures are around 88°F with rain subsiding making the climate less humid.
They inhabited a well-watered region in South Africa however the environment was harsh during certain seasons. The temperature and rainfall influenced productive crops and long growing seasons. However, the growing season abruptly stops after rainfall and temperature decline in the winter. It makes it harder for the population to maintain homeostasis because there is not a plethora of food to eat or water to drink. It also makes the environment hotter and drier, affecting the ground beneath them and their health overall.
2. One unique physical adaptation demonstrated from the Zulu population would be the development of thick, calloused feet. It dates back to hundreds of years ago when men would go to war without shoes to help them run faster. The adaptation addresses the environmental stress of walking barefoot on rough terrain such as rocky surfaces and dry, thorny vegetation. The thickening and toughening on their skin protects them from abrasions, punctures, and discomfort when walking. It helps to maintain homeostasis by reducing the risk of foot infections/ injuries. They are also able to continue farming, gathering, hunting, fighting, and dancing without substantial issues.
3. Jewelry and clothing help to maintain homeostasis in fluctuating environmental conditions. The clothing is made from animal skins and woven fabrics that help regulate body temperature to provide insulation depending on the hot or cold weather. The beadwork and intricate jewelry demonstrate social status, spiritual beliefs, and cultural identity which allows a sense of community and connection among the Zulu population.
4. I would classify the Zulu as Black, African, or American Indian due to the ancestral heritage and geographic location in Africa. It is also based on shared physical characteristics such as melanin and/or coiled hair as well as the cultural identity.
Andean Indian Population
1. The mountains are at high altitude where significant climate variations prevail. During the day, temperatures range from mild to warm. Temperatures tend to be much cooler at night and sometimes drop below freezing. While the temperature tends to remain cool throughout the year, there are obvious shifts between seasons, particularly in rainfall patterns. In some areas, the dry season may bring clear skies and sun while the wet season can bring heavy rainfall and occasional storms. However, there are some mountains that block moisture from reaching certain areas. The high altitude and cold temperatures produce physical stresses on the human body, including challenges in body heat retention and adaptation to lower oxygen levels.
2. Due to high altitude, oxygen levels tend to be lower. When reading chapter 4 of the required textbook, Cultural Anthropology: The Human Challenge, 15th edition, we learn that evolution occurs over time. Similarly, this concept can be applied to the Andean Indians where it is present that their lung capacity has increased over time due to evolution. To maintain homeostasis, larger lung capacity allows for more efficient oxygen uptake which helps to support metabolic processes. It also helps in their daily activities of agriculture and herding which will allow them to remain hunting, growing, and gathering food. They are able to work faster and harder on their terraced agriculture (another environmental stressor). They constructed fields carved into the steps of the mountainside so that they could create flat platforms for the crops. Not only are they able to breathe better in harsher conditions, they are also able to maximize agricultural productivity. By being able to adapt to these challenges, they can maintain homeostasis by ensuring food security and economic stability for their population.
3. Similar to the Zulu population, one cultural adaptation would be their clothing which reflects the environmental conditions and social identity. During the cold weather season, traditional clothing is typically thick woolen ponchos and alpaca wool garments, providing insulation against the cold to retain body heat. They wear wide-brimmed hats to protect their face and neck from the intense sun. These hats, also known as chullos or ch'ullus, can reduce sunburn and illnesses related to the heat. Clothing provides a multifaceted role in both practical adaptation to the environment and cultural expression while connecting them to their ancestral roots and sustaining their cultural legacy.
4. It would be hard to classify Andean Indians as a single race due to a diverse range of ethnic groups within their region. However, I would say they are indigenous to South America, making them Native American. They have similar facial features, dark hair/eye color, and cultural clothing.
Question 5:
Classifying by race provides a broad form of identification on their population that relies on outward appearance; hence, it overlooks specific environmental adaptations that shape the lives of their population. When you focus on physical and cultural adaptations, there is a better understanding of how populations interact with the environment and how they are able to maintain or change their lifestyle in accordance with homeostasis.
In order for anthropologists to understand the dynamics within a population and their environment, they must use an approach that prioritizes learning about specific environmental challenges and ways the population has overcome them. Anthropologists are able to gain sufficient, thorough anthropological research on adaptations and other categories compared to outward appearance.
Zulu:
ReplyDelete1. Good, thorough description.
2. Physical: You posted a lot of information in the prior section that highlighted some environmental stresses unique to the Zulu, such as heat or solar radiation stress. The stress you ultimately chose is common to any population that goes barefoot, so it isn't really unique to the Zulu. Thickening of the soles of our feet is a reactionary response to friction and irritation which helps to protect the feet, but again, this can happen with any race.
Can we focus on a physical trait unique to the stresses faced by the Zulu? How about their dark skin, which is an adaptation in response to solar radiation stress? Or their long, lean body shapes, which are adaptations to heat stress, as explained by Bergmann and Allen's rules.
There is a resource in the Canvas course that explains the different adaptations to various stresses, including heat stress, cold stress, high altitude stress, solar radiation stress and dietary stress. Make sure you take some time to review those resources before the quiz on Friday.
3. Cultural: "Jewelry and clothing help to maintain homeostasis in fluctuating environmental conditions."
Clothing? Yes. This can provide protection from the environment, such as from cold or heat or solar radiation. Jewelry? No, this is decorative and has social or perhaps mating functions.
4. Yes, to "black". No to American Indian, as that has unique to races in the Americas. "Africa" is a geographical location/continent, not a race. There are many races that live in Africa, so we can't use it to indicate just one. A more accurate choice would be "black" or "negroid".
Andean:
1. Good description, particularly noting the issues with high altitude (hypoxia) stress.
2. Physical: Well done describing the physical adaptations to high altitude stress, however, farming is a *cultural* adaptation. It should have been included in your next section.
3. Cultural: Very good, with the note that you could have included the information on farming here as well.
4. "South American" is geographical, not racial, but "native American" would be a reasonable choice for race.
5. Summary: You make some very good points, but the question about "explanatory power" is important here and you don't address it. Which approach *explains* each population better? Can you "explain" a population via their race? Or does this only *describe* them? Why is this important to anthropologists?
Race is not based in biology but is a social construct, based in beliefs and preconceptions, and used only to categorize humans into groups based upon external physical features, much like organizing a box of crayons by color. Race does not *cause* adaptations like environmental stress do, and without that causal relationship, you can't use race to explain adaptations. Race has no explanatory value over human variation.
Hello! Good job on your analysis as I believe it provides a good introduction to both of these cultures. Professor Rodriguez provided some intriguing insight into your post that supports and challenges your claim. I liked how you quoted the book as it does describe that humans need to adapt to survive, just as the Andean population did in high altitudes.
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