Question

Which of the following is NOT a reason that the Indian sacred cow is adaptive, according to Harris's studies?

a. Wandering cattle indirectly provide fertilizer for agricultural fields.
b. Zebu cattle require less food per animal than do beef cattle.
c. Zebu cattle are frequently slaughtered and their meat distributed on ceremonial occasions.
d. Cattle are an affordable form of power for peasant farmers.
e. Cattle dung provides a cheap source of heating and cooking energy.

Answer 1

Zebu cattle being frequently slaughtered and their meat distributed on ceremonial occasions is NOT a reason for the adaptability of the Indian sacred cow, according to Marvin Harris' studies.

Step-by-step explanation:

According to Marvin Harris' studies on the Indian sacred cow, the correct answer is c. Zebu cattle are frequently slaughtered and their meat distributed on ceremonial occasions. Harris argued that the economic rationale associated with revering cattle in India is because cattle provide various valuable assets when allowed to live out their natural lifespan, such as dung for fuel, traction for plowing fields, limited milk production, and reproductive capacity. When cattle die, their beef and leather are harvested by the lowest socioeconomic class. Therefore, the fact that Zebu cattle are frequently slaughtered and their meat distributed on ceremonial occasions indicates that it is not a reason for the sacred cow's adaptability.