Exam 1: Acquiring and Interpreting Data in Archaeology

____________________ is the study of human cultural and biological evolution, especially early hominins, by archaeologists and biological anthropologists.

Site taphonomy includes all of the processes that lead to the preservation (or destruction) of archaeological sites. What are some present-day processes that may complicate site taphonomy for archaeologists in the future? Is this something we should worry about today? Why or why not?

Which absolute dating method is the most precise, usually to a specific calendar year?

Sites where soft organic tissue is preserved tend to be very dry, very cold, or lack oxygen.

___________________ is an approach that focuses on the complex interplay of human agency and the environment.

What are the three dimensions of the Cartesian coordinate system?

Regardless of theoretical perspective, most modern archaeologists would agree that the discipline should be _______________________________.

Why is site taphonomy a necessary part of archaeological interpretation?

The site of Great Zimbabwe is indigenous in construction and was not built by outsiders.

A specialist who could look at ancient bones to tell whether a dog was domesticated or wild would be a _____________________________.

As novelist Leslie P. Hartley (1895-1972) noted, the past is much like an alien planet.

What is the purpose of cultural resource management (CRM)?

Site taphonomy refers to:

Before the rise of computer technology, people were unable to develop personal networks.

If an event occurred in 2000 BC, it occurred approximately _______________ years ago.

Which of the following is a limitation of written records?