Humanities MidTerm

Denisovans

An extinct archaic human species/subspecies that lived in Asia. Known mainly through DNA evidence rather than fossils.

Neanderthal

An extinct species of archaic human who lived in Eurasia until about 40,000 years ago.

Last Common Ancestor (LCA)

The most recent individual from which Neanderthals, Denisovans, and Homo sapiens all descended—likely Homo heidelbergensis.

Interbreeding/Introgression

Transfer of genetic material between species through hybridization and backcrossing.

Mousterian Industry

The stone tool industry associated with Neanderthals, including scrapers and points hafted to spears.

Younger Dryas

A sudden period of cooling between 12,900-11,700 year

Megafauna

Animals over 100 pounds, many of which went extinct during the Younger Dryas.

Younger Dryas Impact Hypothesis

Suggests a meteorite impact caused the Younger Dryas and megafauna extinction. Largely refuted.

Denisovan Discovery

First evidence in 2008, a juvenile girl's finger bone from Denisova Cave, Siberia. DNA showed they were distinct from Neanderthals and modern humans.

Denisovan Genetics

Closer to Neanderthals; split ~400,000 years ago. Modern humans diverged ~600,000 years ago. Had at least 3 genetic groups in AsiaDenisovan GeneticsDenisovan Genetics

What percentage of Denisovan DNA is Neanderthal?

17%

Which groups of modern humans have 4-6% Denisovan DNA?

Southeast Asians, Melanesians, and Aboriginal Australians

Who did Denisovans interbreed with besides Neanderthals?

Super-archaics

What skin color is likely associated with Denisovans?

Dark skin

What eye color is likely associated with Denisovans?

Brown eyes

What hair color is likely associated with Denisovans?

Brown hair

What type of facial structure is likely associated with Denisovans?

Broad faces

What body type is likely associated with Denisovans?

Stout bodies

What do tools and ornaments found with Denisovans suggest about their culture?

Symbolic culture

What type of build did Neanderthals have?

Stocky build

What feature of Neanderthals is characterized by a rounded protrusion at the back of the skull?

Occipital bun

What is a notable facial feature of Neanderthals?

Large noses

What type of forehead did Neanderthals have?

Sloping forehead

What skin tone is associated with Neanderthals?

Light skin

Did some Neanderthals have red hair?

Yes

How did the brain size of Neanderthals compare to that of modern humans?

Larger brains than modern humans

What was a key component of the Neanderthal diet?

Varied diet including plants, meat, and seafood.

What type of tools did Neanderthals create?

Mousterian tools.

What practices indicate Neanderthals showed compassion?

Practiced compassion and medicine.

What forms of art did Neanderthals create?

Made art using ochre, cave paintings, and ornaments.

How did Neanderthals treat their dead?

Buried their dead with rituals.

Younger Dryas Theories

Ocean circulation shutdown from glacial lake outburst (leading theory).

Volcanic eruption in Germany.

Meteorite impact (refuted).

Megafauna Extinction Causes

Combination of climate change, forest fires, and human activity—not just a meteorite.

Mesopotamia

Land between two rivers" (Tigris & Euphrates); cradle of civilization

Uruk

City-state ruled by Gilgamesh

What city has famous massive walls?

Uruk

Cuneiform

Wedge-shaped writing system of Mesopotamia.

Epic Poem

A long narrative poem recounting deeds of a heroic figure

Gilgamesh

King of Uruk, two-thirds god and one-third man. Starts as tyrant, becomes a wiser hero.

Enkidu

Wild man created by gods as Gilgamesh's equal

Who becomes Gilgamesh best friend?

Enkidu

Humbaba

Giant guardian of the Cedar Forest, appointed by Enlil.

Ishtar

Goddess of love/war

Who was rejected by Gilgamesh?

Ishatar

When Ishtar was rejected how did she retailate?

She sent a bull of heaven in revenge

Utnapishtim

Survivor of Great Flood

Who was granted immortality buy the gods?

Utnapishtim

What are the Epic of Gilgamesh themes?

Friendship, grief, mortality, and search for meaning

Great Flood (in Gilgamesh)

ods sent flood; Ea warned Utnapishtim, who built a boat.

Gilgamesh's Lesson

Humans cannot escape death. True legacy lies in achievements (like Uruk's walls)

Monotheism

Belief in only one God

Covenant

Sacred agreement, like God's promise to Abraham and his descendants

Torah

Judaism's foundational text—the first five books of the Old Testament

Hijria

Migration of Muhammad and followers from Mecca to Medina (622 CE); start of Islamic calendar.

Jihad

Arabic for "struggle." Mostly means moral struggle for God; extremists misuse it to justify violence.

Nirvana

In Buddhism, awakening and the end of suffering.

Dukkha

Sanskrit for suffering; the First Noble Truth.

The Middle Way

Buddha's path of moderation between indulgence and asceticism

Prophet Muhammad

Founder of Islam, messenger of God—not divine

Who preached monotheism, compassion and social justice?

Prophet Muhammad

Abraham's Role

Made covenant with God; beginning of monotheism.

Moses

Led Hebrews from Egypt; received Ten Commandments

Yeshua (Jesus)

Taught the "spirit of the law" (love, compassion). Followers spread Christianity after his death

Siddhartha Gautama

Indian prince who became the Buddha after renouncing luxury and finding the Middle Way

The Four Noble Truths

Life is suffering

Suffering has a cause.

Cause is craving/ignorance.

There's a path to end suffering.

Front: The Eightfold Path

Right View, Resolve, Speech, Action, Livelihood, Effort, Mindfulness, Concentration.