Lab 11

Question 1

Ulna Length

Answer 1

Used in anatomical comparisons as a measure of limb length to assess climatic adaptation in accordance with Allen’s Rule.

Question 2

Iliac Breadth

Answer 2

The maximum width of the pelvis, used to infer body girth in climatic adaptation studies under Bergmann’s Rule.

Question 3

Language

Answer 3

A uniquely human system of communication that is phonemic, semantic, grammatical, and symbolic—allowing discussion of non-present or abstract concepts.

Question 4

Icon (Peirce)

Answer 4

A sign that represents its referent by resembling it (e.g., a picture of a cat represents a cat).

Question 5

Index (Peirce)

Answer 5

A sign that represents its referent through direct association (e.g., smoke as an index of fire, or a meow as an index of a cat).

Question 6

Symbol (Peirce)

Answer 6

A sign whose relationship with its referent is arbitrary and learned (e.g., the word “cat” representing the animal).

Question 7

Charles Sanders Peirce

Answer 7

A logician and semiotician who classified signs into icons, indexes, and symbols—used here to understand language.

Question 8

Vervet Monkey Calls

Answer 8

An example of animal communication: vervet monkeys emit specific vocalizations in response to predators (e.g., eagle calls), showing communication but not symbolic language.

Question 9

Distal vs. Proximal Limb Bones

Answer 9

Distal bones (e.g., ulna) tend to be longer in warm climates (Allen’s Rule), while shorter in cold climates to conserve heat.

Question 10

Language vs. Communication

Answer 10

Communication is common across species and signals immediate context, while language (unique to humans) allows discussing past/future and abstract ideas.