Prehistoric Period Overview
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Prehistoric Period Overview

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@PeaceableIvy

Questions and Answers

What is the approximate time span of the Middle Stone Age?

  • 2.5 million to 1 million years ago
  • 1 million to 6,000 BC (correct)
  • 3000 BC to 8000 BC
  • 10,000 BC to 3,000 BC
  • Which materials were used for making tools during the prehistoric period?

  • Concrete and clay
  • Glass and steel
  • Bone, wood, and horn (correct)
  • Only metal and plastic
  • What is a significant feature of Homo sapiens during the later phases of the Stone Age?

  • They hunted only in groups of ten or more.
  • They only lived in caves.
  • They primarily used metal tools.
  • They began to create sophisticated tools. (correct)
  • What marks the beginning of the Stone Age period?

    <p>The use of stone tools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What type of species existed from approximately 2.5 million to 1.5 million years ago?

    <p>Homo erectus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which characteristic describes the early phase of the Stone Age?

    <p>Use of simple stone tools</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was primarily used for crafting tools in the later periods of the Stone Age?

    <p>Primitive materials like stone and bone</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How long ago did Homo sapiens live during the Stone Age?

    <p>From approximately 10,000 BC to 6000 BC</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the time frame in which early hominids are considered to have existed?

    <p>1.6 million to 250,000 BC</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'prehistory' refer to in the context of human history?

    <p>The era before recorded history</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following describes the primary method of obtaining food in a foraging society?

    <p>Gathering wild plants and hunting wild animals</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the study of excavation sites help to analyze?

    <p>Food patterns and human evolution</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is one role of a person studying human history?

    <p>To study the process of change in human behavior</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is a key feature of societies that rely heavily on agriculture?

    <p>Permanent settlements and plant domestication</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What aspect of climate is most often considered when studying societal food acquisition?

    <p>Seasonal changes and weather conditions</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which of the following species is most closely associated with early hominids?

    <p>Australopithecus</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who discovered Lucy's remains?

    <p>Donald Johanson</p> Signup and view all the answers

    In which year was the nearly complete skeleton of 'Turkana Boy' found?

    <p>1984</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What significant climatic change influenced early human migration?

    <p>Melting ice glaciers</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What nickname was given to the remains found by Richard Leakey in 1984?

    <p>Turkana Boy</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which famous song was played repeatedly during the celebration of Lucy's discovery?

    <p>Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who were the parents of Richard Leakey?

    <p>Louis and Mary Leakey</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was one of the primary roles of women in early human societies?

    <p>Gathering berries and nuts</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Where did Lucy's remains get discovered?

    <p>Ethiopia</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who discovered the remains of Lucy in 1974?

    <p>Donald Johanson</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What tool did early humans use for hunting?

    <p>Wooden javelins</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which species was identified from the fossil known as Lucy?

    <p>Australopithecus afarensis</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What was the primary focus of the Leakey family in their explorations?

    <p>Hominid fossils</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the significance of the Turkana Boy fossil discovered in 1984?

    <p>It provided notable evidence of Homo erectus.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What does the term 'hominids' refer to in this context?

    <p>Early human ancestors that walked on two feet</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What best describes the lifestyle of hunter-gatherers?

    <p>They followed animal migrations and gathered plants.</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which stage of human development is referred to as 'Homo Erectus'?

    <p>1.6 Million to 250,000 BC</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What vital resource did fire provide for early humans?

    <p>Cooking food</p> Signup and view all the answers

    How many people typically made up hunter-gatherer bands?

    <p>20-50 people</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Which material was first used to make tips for spears by hunter-gatherers?

    <p>Wood</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the role of an anthropologist?

    <p>Studying human societies and their development</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What is the primary objective of archaeology?

    <p>Discovering manmade artifacts from the past</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Who were the parents of Richard Leakey, known for his discovery in 1984?

    <p>Louis and Mary Leakey</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What song inspired the name of the fossil Lucy?

    <p>Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds</p> Signup and view all the answers

    What are cave paintings thought to represent?

    <p>Early communication methods</p> Signup and view all the answers

    Study Notes

    Prehistoric Periods

    • The Stone Age is divided into three phases: Early, Middle, and Late.
    • Lasted approximately 2.5 million years, with the use of stone tools dating back to 3,000 BC to 6,000 BC.
    • Early humans, such as Homo sapiens, coexisted with various hominids, including Homo erectus and Homo habilis.

    Hominids and Their Evolution

    • Hominids walked upright and were the earliest ancestors of modern humans.
    • Homo habilis existed 2.5 million to 1.5 million years ago; known for using stone tools.
    • Homo erectus emerged between 1.6 million to 250,000 years ago; characterized by upright stature and migration from Africa.
    • Homo sapiens, modern and intelligent humans, have been present since approximately 400,000 BC.

    Archaeological Discoveries

    • Significant archaeological discoveries in East Africa include the fossil known as "Lucy," found in 1974 by Donald Johanson and Tom Gray in Ethiopia.
    • Lucy is the most complete hominin skeleton discovered and has greatly influenced the understanding of human evolution.
    • Richard Leakey, son of Louis and Mary Leakey, discovered a nearly complete skeleton of a Homo erectus boy, nicknamed "Turkana Boy," in 1984.

    Lifestyle of Hunter-Gatherers

    • Hunter-gatherers, existing over two million years ago, were nomadic and followed animal migrations for hunting.
    • Organized in small bands of 20-50 individuals, they relied on extensive knowledge of plants for survival.
    • Men primarily hunted, while women and children gathered berries, fruits, and nuts.
    • Tools such as spears, wooden tips transitioned to stone tips for effective hunting and fishing.

    Tools and Communication

    • Fire was crucial for warmth, cooking, and protection from predators.
    • Cave paintings served as some of the earliest forms of communication, often depicting hunting scenes.
    • Tools were made from animal bones, wood, and stone, showcasing early human ingenuity.

    Role of Anthropology and Archaeology

    • Archaeology studies ancient artifacts and remains to uncover prehistoric human life.
    • Anthropologists focus on human societies and developmental processes over time.
    • Louis and Mary Leakey were pivotal archaeologists who explored across various countries in Africa, contributing to the understanding of human ancestry.

    Environmental Impact on Migration

    • Changes in climate, like melting glaciers, influenced early humans to migrate to new regions for resources.

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    Description

    This quiz explores the early phases of the prehistoric period, focusing on the Stone Age and its characteristics. Test your knowledge about the development of weapons and the social structure of early human societies during this time.

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