MT2 ANTH TEXTBOOK

Premodern Humans

Evolved from early hominins around 600,000 years ago.

Cranial Capacity

Premodern humans had over 1,220 cc brain size.

Neanderthals

Extinct hominins primarily found in Europe, Southwest Asia.

Neanderthal Intelligence

Highly intelligent, engaged in social and cultural practices.

Neanderthal Art

First human ancestors credited with creating art.

Ice Age Adaptation

Neanderthals adapted physically to Ice Age environments.

Extinction Causes

Neanderthals and Denisovans went extinct despite coexistence.

Homo sapiens sapiens

Only surviving species of modern humans today.

Behavioral Flexibility

Homo sapiens more adaptable than Neanderthals, Denisovans.

Cultural Adaptations

Advanced cultural practices helped Homo sapiens survive.

Genetic Interbreeding

Anatomically modern humans interbred with Neanderthals, Denisovans.

Neanderthal Genome

1%-3% of Europeans' genome is Neanderthal.

Denisovan Genome

5% of East Asians' genome traces to Denisovans.

Middle Stone Age

Artifacts indicate early cultural transformations in human societies.

Incised Ochre Rods

Artifacts showing early symbolic behavior in humans.

Shell Beads

Indicate early personal adornments and cultural expression.

Engraved Ostrich Shells

Artifacts reflecting early artistic capabilities.

Upper Paleolithic Culture

Characterized by advanced technology and symbolic behavior.

Blade Tools

Technological advancement in toolmaking during Upper Paleolithic.

Bone and Ivory Tools

Use of diverse materials for toolmaking in Upper Paleolithic.

Broadened Subsistence Base

Increased food sources and survival strategies in societies.

Population Aggregation

Larger sites indicate temporary gathering of populations.

Non-utilitarian Items

Personal adornments created, showing symbolic thought.

Exotic Raw Materials

Use of nonlocal materials in Upper Paleolithic artifacts.

Grave Goods

Elaborate items in burials indicate ritualistic behavior.

Naturalistic Paintings

Cave art depicting animals, showcasing artistic expression.

Fanciful Sculptures

Artistic creations reflecting creativity in Upper Paleolithic.

Geometric Patterns

Abstract designs etched into bone and rock.

Cognitive Shift

Art and symbolism mark modern human intellectual development.

Late Pleistocene Migration

Humans expanded into uninhabited continents like Australia.

Migration to Australia

First inhabitants were coastally adapted Southeast Asians.

Watercraft Use

Southeast Asians used boats for migration to Australia.

Earliest Australian Habitation

Begun around 65,000 years ago during low sea levels.

Inland Migration

Settlements moved inland along major rivers over time.

Bering Land Bridge

Connected Old World to New World for migration.

Migration Routes

Interior and coastal paths used for reaching Americas.

Radiocarbon Dating

Used to estimate human presence in the Americas.

Bluefish Caves

Evidence of human occupation as early as 23,000 years ago.

Clovis Culture

Early settlers known for fluted projectile points.

Ice-free Corridor

Allowed southward movement of early settlers in America.

Post-Pleistocene Adaptation

Trends of intensifying food collection and social complexity.

Environmental Changes

Glacial retreat altered landscapes and migration patterns.

Animal Extinction

Some relied species went extinct, replaced by new ones.

Dietary Staples

Nuts, seeds, fruits became important food resources.

Sedentism Shift

Groups settled in rich environments, increasing diversity.

Permanent Settlements

Population growth followed as resources were managed.

Cultural Diversity Expansion

Different groups adapted to specific environments post-Pleistocene.

Pre-Agricultural Complexity

Monumental architecture indicated early social organization.

Göbekli Tepe

One of the earliest known monumental sites.

Transition to Agriculture

Shift from wild food collection to domesticated production.

Social Stratification

Emergence of social hierarchies in early settlements.

Rank Societies

Divided into noble and common classes, limited control.

Cultural Complexity Examples

Jericho and Çatalhöyük showed increasing social stratification.

Olmec Civilization

Developed along the Mexican Gulf Coast.

Caral, Peru

Featured pyramids and large residential areas 4,500 years ago.

Chavín Culture

Unified regional societies with religious and artistic traditions.

Key Takeaways

Monuments and labor organization indicated social complexity.