Deck 9: The Emergence of Culture in Early Hominid Societies in the Old World

Question 1

The earliest archeological site outside Africa is

A) Dmanisi
B) Ubeidiya
C) Boxgrove
D) Atapuerca

Answer 1

A

Question 2

How did climate change during the Paleolithic affect plant and animal populations?

Answer 2

During the Paleolithic era, climate change had a significant impact on plant and animal populations. As the climate shifted, certain plant species may have become more or less abundant, leading to changes in the availability of food for herbivorous animals. This, in turn, would have affected the populations of carnivorous animals that relied on those herbivores for sustenance.

For example, during periods of warming, some plant species may have expanded their range, while others may have declined. This would have influenced the distribution and abundance of herbivorous animals that depended on those plants for food. Additionally, as plant populations shifted, so too would the habitats of various animal species, leading to changes in their populations as well.

Overall, the fluctuations in climate during the Paleolithic era would have had a cascading effect on plant and animal populations, shaping the ecosystems in which early humans lived and hunted. This would have required early humans to adapt to these changes in order to survive, potentially leading to shifts in their hunting and gathering strategies.

Question 3

Stones and animal bones are crucial to the study of the Lower Paleolithic. Why?

Answer 3

Stones and animal bones are crucial to the study of the Lower Paleolithic because they provide important evidence of early human behavior and technology. The use of stones as tools and the modification of animal bones for various purposes are key indicators of the cognitive and behavioral capabilities of early humans. By studying these artifacts, archaeologists and anthropologists can gain insights into the hunting and gathering practices, social organization, and technological advancements of early human societies during the Lower Paleolithic period. Additionally, the analysis of stone tools and animal bones can also provide information about the environment and climate during this time, helping researchers to understand how early humans adapted to their surroundings. Overall, the study of stones and animal bones from the Lower Paleolithic is essential for reconstructing the lifestyles and behaviors of our ancient ancestors.

Question 4

What is taphonomy?

Question 5

Evaluate the evidence for the controlled use of fire by pre-modern humans.

Question 6

What are handaxes and what function did they serve?

Question 7

How have archaeologists interpreted variation in Middle Paleolithic stone tool kits?

Question 8

How do tool kits of the Upper Paleolithic people in Eurasia differ from their Middle Paleolithic predecessors?

Question 9

Why is Ohalo II an important site?

Question 10

Consider the evidence for structures in the Upper Paleolithic.

Question 11

What factors affected the peopling of Australia?

Question 12

Discuss and evaluate the evidence for subsistence strategies in the Lower Paleolithic and Early Stone Age.

Question 13

Why is Atapuerca an important site for Lower Paleolithic studies?

Question 14

Compare and contrast the subsistence strategies of the Middle Paleolithic and Middle Stone Age with those of the Upper Paleolithic and Late Stone Age.

Question 15

Did the emergence of modern humans herald a revolutionary change in hominid behaviour?

Question 16

Assess the interpretations of Paleolithic art.