Physical Anthropology and Archaeology Overview Chap 11

A collection of vocabulary flashcards related to key concepts from physical anthropology and archaeology.

Physical Anthropology

The branch of anthropology concerned with the biological and behavioral aspects of human beings, including human evolution.

Homo erectus

An extinct species of human that evolved approximately 1.8 million years ago in Africa and spread to Asia and Europe.

Acheulian Tool Tradition

A stone tool-making tradition associated with Homo erectus, characterized by bifacial hand axes and cleavers, dating from 1.5 million years ago.

Mousterian Tool Industry

A Middle Paleolithic tool industry associated with Neandertals and early modern humans, characterized by flaked tools and prepared-core technologies.

Levallois Technique

A method of stone tool production that allowed for the creation of flakes of predetermined size and shape by shaping a core.

Archaic Homo sapiens

Early, non-anatomically modern humans that are distinguished from modern Homo sapiens by certain physical traits and cultural characteristics.

Neandertals (Homo neandertalensis)

A once prevalent species of archaic humans that lived in Europe and parts of Asia until approximately 30,000 years ago, known for their distinct skull structures and robust physique.

Cultural Rituals

Practices that signify a collective belief or value within a society; evidence of such rituals has been found in Neandertal burial sites.

Altruism in Hominins

The behavior of caring for and supporting members of a group who may not be able to support themselves, indicating social connections.

Denisovans

A newly identified group of ancient humans that lived in Asia contemporaneously with Neandertals and modern humans, known primarily from genetic evidence.

Symbolic Behavior

The capacity to use symbols, a trait associated with modern humans and some evidence suggests may have been present in Neandertals.

Fire Control

The ability to create and manage fire, crucial for warmth, protection, and cooking, significantly attributed to Homo erectus.

Homo sapiens

The species name for modern humans, characterized by a smaller face, a prominent chin, and a larger brain compared to earlier hominins.

Sexual Dimorphism

Differences in size or appearance between males and females of the same species; reduced in Homo erectus compared to earlier hominins.

Oldowan Tool Industry

One of the oldest known stone tool industries, associated with early hominins, using simple tools like choppers and flakes.