Which of the following would NOT be classified as a universal practice?

Universal practices in anthropology refer to behaviors or customs that are found across all human cultures, despite variations in expression. Language is a fundamental aspect of all human societies, as every human culture has developed some form of communication to facilitate interaction. Similarly, religious beliefs can be universally observed, as nearly all cultures have developed some system of spirituality or belief in the sacred.

Greeting rituals also tend to be universally practiced since societies across the world exhibit methods of acknowledging others, though the specific customs and practices vary greatly from one culture to another. This demonstrates a shared human need for social connection and acknowledgment.

Cooking methods, however, are not universally classified in the same way. While cooking is a common practice, the specific methods, ingredients, and culinary traditions vary widely among different cultures. Each culture has developed its unique practices surrounding food preparation, reflecting local resources, tastes, and social customs. Therefore, cooking methods are not seen as a universal practice, as they lack the consistency that characterizes practices like language, religion, and greeting rituals.