STS Module 2 - Historical Development in Science and Technology: Pre Historic Time

Flashcards about the historical development of science and technology during the Pre-Historic Time, focusing on the Stone Age periods and tool development.

Homo habilis

The species whose appearance around 2.5 million years ago marked the beginning of human history.

Distinguishing characteristic of Homo species

Their ability to make tools.

Stone Age

The period covering the first 99% of human history, characterized by tools mostly made of stones.

Paleolithic Age (Old Stone Age)

Lasted from 2.5 million years ago to around 10,000 BC, characterized by crude stone tools and a nearly stagnant way of living.

Mesolithic Age (Middle Stone Age)

Lasted from around 12,000 years ago to 8,000 BC, characterized by sharper and more varied stone tools developed due to climate variations and human dispersion.

Neolithic Age (New Stone Age)

Lasted from around 10,000 years ago to 3,500 BC, characterized by the addition of farm tools, favorable climate for growing plants, and the beginning of settled life and early civilizations.

Hammer stone

A crude Paleolithic tool used for crushing animal bones and other food.

Hand axe

A more sophisticated Paleolithic tool appearing in the later part of the age, showing advances in knapping or tool making.

Primary driver of technology in pre-historic times

The basic needs of the people.

Reason for slow innovation in Paleolithic stone technology

A nearly stagnant way of living, small variations in the physical environment, and unchanging societal cultures.

Farming

The activity that ultimately ushered early people into a new era, leading to settled communities and early civilizations.