Protohistory and Archaeological Techniques Quiz

Analyzing the content of phosphate and potassium in soil helps archaeologists identify areas of past human activity.

This method uses a 'potentiometer' to measure the resistance of the soil. Changes in resistance can reveal buried structures like walls, ditches, or graves.

This technique utilizes sound and vibrations to uncover buried features. Similar to how a doctor uses a stethoscope.

This method is useful for exploring areas that are underwater. It helps identify submerged sites.

Archaeological methods are based on scientific analysis, but always need confirmation through physical inspection.

A device used to measure the electrical resistance of the soil.

A layer of soil that has been altered by human activity, containing evidence of past civilizations.

A dating method that utilizes the decay of potassium-40 (K40) into argon-40 (Ar40) to estimate the age of rocks and volcanic ash.

The rate at which half of a given amount of a radioactive substance decays into a stable form.

The process of estimating the age of a sample by measuring the ratio of K40 to Ar40, taking into account the known half-life of K40.

A dating method based on the record of Earth's magnetic field preserved in magnetic minerals.

The remnant magnetism acquired by iron particles in clay when heated, pointing towards the magnetic north pole at that time.

The location of Earth's magnetic north pole at a specific point in the past, determined by analyzing remnant magnetism in ancient materials.

A curve representing the movement of Earth's magnetic north pole over time, constructed by assembling numerous VGPs from different ages.

The technique of using the VGP curve to determine the age of a sample by comparing its VGP to known VGPs on the curve.

A method used to determine the absolute date of an archaeological feature using tree rings.

The study of human evolution, genetics, and adaptation to different environments. It focuses on the biological aspects of human beings and their ancestors.

Focuses on understanding the diversity, genetics, and adaptations of Homo sapiens to various environmental pressures.

Examines the behavior and capabilities of primates, especially those closely related to humans, to understand our evolutionary origins.

The study of fossil records of early humans and their primate ancestors to trace the stages of human evolution.

The process of how humans emerged as a distinct species, often referred to as hominization.

The study of the cultural aspects of human societies around the world, including social structures, beliefs, and economic systems.

Biological characteristics that are passed down genetically, as opposed to learned traits.

A term used to describe apes, monkeys, and other primates, including fossil ancestors of present-day humans.

The skeletal framework shared by all mammals, including humans, with the same basic bones in similar locations.

By analyzing the size, shape, and structure of bones, anthropologists can determine if they belong to a human or another animal.

The period before written records where we can study ancient cultures through the writings of other cultures.

The study of the human past through material remains, like tools, pottery, and buildings.

A method of dating objects and fossils using the natural decay of radioactive isotopes like carbon-14.

A method used to date very old materials, like rocks and volcanic ash, by measuring the decay of potassium-40 to argon-40.

The process of examining, classifying, and analyzing archaeological artifacts or objects for research and study.

The study of human communication and language, exploring the structure, evolution, and social impact of language.

The period of human history before the invention of writing, reconstructed through archaeological evidence.

Cultural anthropologists who study contemporary societies, often using ethnographic methods to understand daily life and cultural practices.

The practice of reconstructing past cultural practices and diversity from surviving evidence, providing insights into prehistory.

Using evidence from contemporary societies to understand the past, seeking connections and patterns that can illuminate prehistorical periods.

A hypothesized archaic form of language, possibly a precursor to present languages, studied by linguistic anthropologists.

An early body of words, potentially a predecessor to language, a topic of interest in linguistic anthropology.

Using linguistic evidence, such as language evolution and analysis, to contribute to the understanding of prehistory, a period without written records.