13. The Emergence, Dispersal, and Bioarchaeology of Homo sapiens

Question 1

Bioarchaeology

Answer 1

The study of the biological component (usually osteology) of the archaeological record. Includes mortuary archaeology.

Question 2

Replacement models

Answer 2

Phylogenetic models that suggest that modern humans evolved in one location and then spread geographically, replacing other earlier hominid populations without any or with little admixture.

Question 3

Multiregional models

Answer 3

Phylogenetic models that modern humans evolved in the context of gene flow between Mid- to Late-Pleistocene hominid populations from different regions, so there is no single location where modern humans first evolved.

Question 4

Microliths

Answer 4

Small, flaked stone tools probably designed to be hafted to wood or bone; common feature of Upper Paleolithic and Later Stone Age tools industries.

Question 5

Most recent common ancestor (MRCA)

Answer 5

In a phylogenetic tree, the MRCA is indicated by the deepest node from which all contemporary varoants can be shown to have evolved.