Evidence of Science & Technology During Prehistoric Times

Flashcards covering key terms and concepts related to the evidence of science and technology during prehistoric times.

Prehistory

The period of human history before written records, lasting about 5,000 years.

Hominid

Early proto-humans and a group that includes modern humans and their ancestors.

Australopithecus afarensis

An early hominid species known for the famous fossil 'Lucy', lived 3.85 - 2.95 million years ago.

Homo habilis

An early human species known as 'handyman' for their tool-making abilities, lived 2.4 - 1.4 million years ago.

Neolithic Revolution

A significant transition in human history from hunting and gathering to agriculture and settlement.

Mesolithic Period

The Middle Stone Age characterized by climatic change and the development of more specialized tools.

Bronze Age

A historical period marked by the use of bronze for tools and weapons, beginning around 3,300 BCE.

Iron Age

A historical period characterized by the widespread use of iron tools and weapons, approximately 1,200 BCE - 600 BCE.

Cave Art

Prehistoric paintings found in caves, indicative of early human creativity and expression.

Megalithic Architecture

Large stone structures built during the Neolithic period, often used for ceremonial purposes.

Paleolithic Tools

Tools made during the Old Stone Age, primarily from stone, used for cutting and hunting.

Biotic Adaptations

Changes in living organisms in response to their environment, including physical and cultural developments.

Homo erectus

An early human species known for their modern body proportions and the use of fire, lived about 1.89 million years ago.

Controlled Use of Fire

The ability of early humans to create and maintain fire, crucial for cooking and protection.

Domestication

The process of adapting wild animals and plants for human use, beginning in the Neolithic.

Tool Transition

The evolution of tools from simple to specialized forms for specific tasks, seen in tool traditions.