History Chapter 1 Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What are hominids?

Types of agricultural techniques

Early humanlike creatures (correct)

Artifacts made by early humans

Modern humans only

What are artifacts?

Objects made and used by early humans

Define culture.

Beliefs, knowledge, and patterns of living that a group of people acquire by living together.

What does limited evidence mean?

Evidence, such as artifacts, about which little info is given, requiring scientists to make educated guesses. Signup and view all the answers

Who are nomads?

People who wander from place to place. Signup and view all the answers

What is agriculture?

Raising crops for food. Signup and view all the answers

Define domestication.

Taming of animals such as cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs. Signup and view all the answers

What were hunter-gatherers?

Early people who lived by hunting animals and gathering plants and food. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Donald Johanson?

He found Lucy. Signup and view all the answers

What is Lucy?

The skeleton that Donald found. Signup and view all the answers

Who is Mary Leakey?

She discovered a monkey skull and she thinks it is an ancestor of humans. Signup and view all the answers

What are Neanderthals?

Early people who lived during the Old Stone Age. Signup and view all the answers

Who are Cro-Magnons?

Group of early people appearing about 35,000 years ago in Europe. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Neolithic agricultural revolution?

Shift in human history from food gathering to food producing. Signup and view all the answers

Define civilization.

People living with order. Signup and view all the answers

What is irrigation?

System of ditches and canals that transports water from a source into an agricultural field. Signup and view all the answers

What does division of labor mean?

Characteristics of civilizations in which different people perform different jobs. Signup and view all the answers

Who are artisans?

Skilled workers. Signup and view all the answers

What are cultural diffusions?

Spread of culture from one area of the world to another. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Key Concepts in Early Human History

Hominids: Refers to early humanlike creatures and modern humans, highlighting the evolution of species.
Artifacts: Objects created by early humans that provide insights into their lives and cultures.
Culture: Encompasses the beliefs, knowledge, and lifestyles shared by groups of people living together.

Importance of Evidence in Archaeology

Limited Evidence: Often consists of scarce artifacts that necessitate educated guesses by scientists to understand ancient life.

Human Mobility and Lifestyle

Nomads: Groups of people who do not settle permanently and move from one location to another in search of resources.
Hunter-Gatherers: Early humans primarily dependent on hunting animals and gathering plant-based food for survival.

Agricultural Developments

Agriculture: The practice of cultivating plants for food, marking a significant shift in human survival strategies.
Domestication: The process of taming animals like cattle, goats, sheep, and pigs for companionship and food, which supported settled lifestyles.

Notable Figures and Discoveries

Donald Johanson: Renowned for discovering "Lucy," a key fossil that provides evidence of early human anatomy.
Lucy: A hominid skeleton found by Johanson, significant for insights into bipedalism and human evolution.
Mary Leakey: A prominent archaeologist who unearthed a monkey skull believed to be a human ancestor, contributing to the understanding of human evolution.

Evolution of Early Humans

Neanderthals: Early members of the Homo genus known for their existence during the Old Stone Age, exhibiting complex behaviors.
Cro-Magnons: Early modern humans in Europe, emerging around 35,000 years ago, noted for their advanced tools and art.

Transition to Agriculture and Civilization

Neolithic Agricultural Revolution: A transformative period where humans transitioned from hunting and gathering to agriculture, fundamentally altering societies.
Civilization: Characterized by ordered societies with structured governance and communities.

Technological Innovations

Irrigation: A critical advancement enabling agriculture through the use of canals and ditches to supply water, increasing crop yields.
Division of Labor: A key trait of civilizations where individuals specialize in distinct roles, fostering efficiency and innovation.
Artisans: Skilled craftsmen essential to early civilizations, contributing to trade and cultural development.

Cultural Exchange

Cultural Diffusions: The process through which cultural practices and ideas spread from one region to another, enriching human experience and interaction.

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Description

Explore important terms and concepts from Chapter 1 on the Emergence of Civilization. These flashcards cover key definitions such as hominids, artifacts, and culture. Perfect for reinforcing your understanding of early human history.