Exploring the Past: Archaeology, Anthropology, and Paleontology

Flashcards covering key concepts and terms from the lecture on archaeology, anthropology, and paleontology.

Archaeology

The study of the things people left behind, including buildings, tools, and artifacts.

Excavation

The process of carefully removing soil layer by layer to uncover artifacts.

Artifact

An object made by a human being, typically an item of cultural or historical interest.

Anthropology

The study of people, past and present, focusing on human behavior, cultures, and societies.

Cultural Anthropology

The branch of anthropology that studies contemporary cultures and societies.

Biological Anthropology

The branch of anthropology that examines the biological and physical aspects of humans.

Paleontology

The study of fossils to understand life on Earth before humans existed.

Fossil

The preserved remains or traces of living things from the past.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

The practice of different scientific disciplines working together, such as paleontologists, archaeologists, and anthropologists.

Preservation of Ancient Sites

The actions taken to protect and maintain ancient archaeological sites and fossil locations.