Unit 1 Human Origins Vocabulary

This set of flashcards covers vocabulary related to human origins, including key terms that define important historical concepts and figures in anthropology, archaeology, and early human society.

turning point

Important moment when a big change occurs and things are not the same afterward.

anthropologist

A social scientist who studies the behaviors and beliefs of past and present humans.

archaeologist

A social scientist who studies past people and cultures by examining objects they left behind.

geographer

A social scientist who studies the relationships between people and Earth’s features and environments.

historian

A social scientist who studies people and events in the past by examining documents and other written and unwritten sources.

paleontologist

A social scientist who studies ancient life by examining fossils.

prehistoric

Relating to history in the period before written records.

evolution

A scientific theory that explains how organisms change over generations to better survive their environments.

Paleolithic Era

The time period when humans began making stone tools and obtained food by hunting, fishing and gathering.

hearth

An area constructed to hold a fire.

forage

To search for and obtain food.

migrate

To move from one region or place to another.

nomadic

Moving from one place to another, rather than living in one place all of the time.

domestication

A process of controlling and adapting wild animals and plants for human use (food, clothing, or work).

Neolithic Era

The time period when humans began domesticating animals and growing crops.

metallurgy

Knowledge of mining and working metals (often by heating them) to create tools and other goods.

agriculture

The process of growing plants and raising animals to produce food and other goods for human use.

Agricultural Revolution

The transition from hunting and gathering to growing food.

Surplus

The amount that goes beyond what is needed or required, an extra amount.

specialization

A specific type of work that requires skills and knowledge that are not common among all people.