Overview of Contributors in History and Studies

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Questions and Answers

What are the two main classifications used to reconstruct the human past?

Ancient History and Modern History

History and Oral Traditions

Prehistory and Medieval History

Prehistory and History (correct)

Which of the following best describes the significance of the prehistoric period?

It is less important than the historical period.

Humans made major discoveries and adaptations to environment and social life. (correct)

It was primarily focused on technological advancements.

It was a time when humans invented writing.

What type of evidence is primarily used to understand the prehistoric period?

Artifacts, tools, and remains from early humans (correct)

Geological formations and literature

Written records from ancient civilizations

Bone fragments from modern humans

Which of the following materials is NOT part of the evidence for the prehistoric period?

Written logs Signup and view all the answers

In addition to remains and artifacts, what other traces of early humans are utilized in prehistoric studies?

Architecture and wall murals Signup and view all the answers

What has NOT been significantly influenced by the prehistoric period?

Recent advancements in information technology Signup and view all the answers

What was primarily responsible for humans being able to record and store information?

Invention of written language Signup and view all the answers

Which type of study focuses on human activities prior to the existence of written history?

Prehistorical archaeology Signup and view all the answers

What advantage did walking upright on two legs provide to early hominids?

It allowed them to use their arms for other tasks. Signup and view all the answers

Which species of Australopithecus was characterized as slender and chimpanzee-sized?

Australopithecus Africanus Signup and view all the answers

What indicates that Homo habilis had a level of intellect comparable to humans?

The presence of hand-worked pebbles. Signup and view all the answers

How did Australopithecines utilize their intelligence?

They planned complex ventures over distances. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following statements about the brain of Australopithecus is true?

It was not very large or well-developed for speech. Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant feature of Homo erectus that distinguished them from earlier hominids?

They exhibited a higher cranial capacity. Signup and view all the answers

What type of diet did Australopithecus Robustus primarily have?

Exclusively vegetarian. Signup and view all the answers

During which time period did Homo habilis exist?

At least 2 million years ago. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major change introduced by the colonial administration in African society?

Introduction of colonial statutes and legal courts Signup and view all the answers

How did litigation impact the relationship between African kings and the colonial administration?

It led to punishment of many African kings. Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Appropriate Dispute Resolution' (ADR) refer to in the context of post-independence Africa?

A method to decongest colonial law courts using past conflict resolution styles Signup and view all the answers

What role did traditional African socio-political organizations play in conflict resolution?

They facilitated peace and unity among individuals. Signup and view all the answers

What was the state of legal personnel in colonial Africa, and how did it affect justice?

There was a severe inadequacy of legal personnel. Signup and view all the answers

In the context of African political culture, how is the family system viewed?

As central to political culture and social harmony. Signup and view all the answers

What were traditional conflict handling styles in pre-colonial Africa considered to be?

Critical for institutionalizing peace. Signup and view all the answers

What adverse effect did the introduction of colonial legal systems have on African society?

Led to 'troubled waters' within society. Signup and view all the answers

What is debated regarding the emergence of iron-smelting technology in Africa?

The origin of the knowledge and its routes of diffusion Signup and view all the answers

What role did Meroe possibly play in the history of Africa?

It served as a hub for cultural exchanges and technological dissemination Signup and view all the answers

Which African states may have been influenced by Meroe in terms of state organization and iron-working knowledge?

Ghana, Mali, and Songhai Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant advantage of using iron for agriculture?

It increased productivity and population growth Signup and view all the answers

What evidence suggests that iron-smelting knowledge spread to East and Central Africa?

Diffusion from the kingdom of Meroe Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of the introduction of iron weapons in Africa?

Development of centralized authority Signup and view all the answers

What event occurred in 23 B.C. involving Meroe?

Meroe's army attacked Syrene, a Roman town Signup and view all the answers

Which historian noted the influence of Northern Nile Valley culture on Greek religion?

Herodotus Signup and view all the answers

What was the role of meat in the Paleolithic diet?

It was the most highly prized food item. Signup and view all the answers

Which tools were specifically fashioned by early humans for hunting?

Sharp knives, spears, and bows and arrows. Signup and view all the answers

How did gathering contribute to the overall diet of Paleolithic humans?

It accounted for up to three quarters of the daily diet. Signup and view all the answers

What type of disguises did hunters wear during hunts?

Animal skins to blend into the environment. Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of bones from hunted animals?

They served as tools and materials for various needs. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major implication of a hunting and gathering economy on community size?

It led to small bands of about thirty to fifty members. Signup and view all the answers

Which method was NOT used by Paleolithic humans for catching aquatic animals?

Fishing rods. Signup and view all the answers

What effect did a hunting and gathering economy have on social distinctions?

It prevented the development of social hierarchies based on wealth. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Contributors' Overview

D.O. Ajayi, Ph.D: Lecturer in History, University of Ibadan
V.O. Edo: Professor in History, University of Ibadan
A. Adedire: Assistant Lecturer, History, and International Studies, Osun State University
S. Okunade: Associated with the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan
J.K. Ayantayo: Professor of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan
S.A. Fatokun: Professor of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan
O.B. Lawal: Professor of Teacher Education, University of Ibadan
I.M. Alade, Ph.D: Senior Lecturer, Department of Classics, University of Ibadan
H. Sewapo, Ph.D: Lecturer in Religious Studies, University of Ibadan
A. Akewula, Ph.D: Lecturer in Arabic and Islamic Studies, University of Ibadan
I.O. Raifu: Lecturer, History and International Studies, Osun State University
F. Amenaghon, Ph.D: Department of Communication and Language Arts, University of Ibadan
M.O. Muritala, Ph.D: Senior Lecturer in History, University of Ibadan
C. Ukpokolo: Senior Lecturer, Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Ibadan

Reconstruction of Human Past

Categorized into prehistory (before written history) and history (after writing invention).
Prehistoric period crucial for major human discoveries and adaptations.
Comprised of tools, artifacts, animal bones, buildings, rock carvings, and human remains as key evidence.

Early Human Evolution

Early humans were bipeds, which aided in the use of arms for various tasks.
Well-developed hands with opposable thumbs allowed for intricate tool-making.
Likely possessed rudimentary verbal communication capabilities.

Australopithecus

Two species:
- Australopithecus africanus: Slender, chimpanzee-sized, omnivorous.
- Australopithecus robustus: Gorillas-sized, vegetarian, with large teeth.
Intelligence allowed for planning complex ventures, traveling distances over 15 km for tools.

Homo Habilis

Known as "handy man," existed around 2 million years ago.
Found in Tanzania, Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Africa; characterized by larger brains and rudimentary civilization.
Evidence of intentional stone tools (e.g., choppers and chopping tools).

Homo Erectus

Emerged around 1.6 million years ago; showed higher cranial capacity than predecessors.
Systematic exploitation of the environment, coordinating hunting tactics with seasonal animal migrations.
Developed specialized tools (knives, spears, bows) for hunting and gathering.

Hunter-Gatherer Societies

Lifestyle limited community size to 30-50 members, focused on foraging.
Allocated hunting primarily to men and gathering to women and children, maintaining resource sharing.
Fishing became significant near rivers, utilizing bone hooks and nets.

Paleolithic Sites in Africa

Notable sites include Sango Bay, Still Bay, and various locations in Nigeria (Mejiro Cave, Rop-Rock Shelter).
Evidence remains strong for the hunting and gathering economy preventing wealth accumulation.

Iron Technology Emergence

Debate around the origin and spread of iron-smelting in Africa; likely diffusion from Meroe for East and Central Africa.
West Africa's origins are less clear but may stem from North Africa, possibly Carthage.
Meroe played a significant role in spreading ideas on state organization and iron-working.

Meroe’s Historical Impact

Kingdom in Southern Kush expanded territory, engaged in military conflicts, including an invasion of Roman territories.
Iron usage transformed agriculture and contributed to centralized authority emergence in the Middle Ages in West Africa.

Post-Colonial Conflict Resolution

Colonial administration shifted conflict resolution to litigation, disrupting traditional methods.
Led to the introduction of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR), leveraging traditional frameworks.
The African family system acted as a crucial unit of political culture, maintaining harmony and social stability.
Conflict management was integral to traditional political institutions in pre-colonial Africa, facilitating development agendas.

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Description

This quiz provides an overview of various contributors in the fields of History, Religious Studies, and Teacher Education from prominent universities in Nigeria, particularly the University of Ibadan and Osun State University. Test your knowledge about the roles and backgrounds of these academics and their contributions to their respective fields.