Chapter 1: Prehistory Flashcards
What’s at the genus Australopithecus apart from other animal species of the time?
They walked upright, allowing them to use their hands to grasp tools and perform intricate tasks. They also have the ability to communicate verbally and plan ventures.
What was the significance of the discovery of Lucy’s bones?
They provided archaeologists with a detailed look into what early human life was like.
What were the most important changes in the evolution from Australopithecus to Homo erectus?
They had a larger brain and fashion more sophisticated tools. They could start and tend fires. They were also able to communicate complex ideas.
What advantages did Homo sapiens possess over Homo erectus?
They had a larger brain with a well-developed frontal region for reflective thought. They also had vocal chords and a tongue cavity allowing them to create spoken language.
What were the differences between the Neanderthals and Homo sapiens?
Homo sapiens was much more creative and intellectually inventive than homo neandertalensis.
What is the significance of cave art? The Venus figurines?
Venus figurines and cave art are significant because they represented conscious and purposeful activity of a high order.
How did the gradual transformation from hunting and gathering to agriculture probably occur? How did it spread?
Women probably noticed how nature affected plants and begun to nurture plants hoping for a larger, more reliable supply of food. It’s spread due to slashing and burning and trade.
What were the most significant positive and negative effects of the agriculture transition on human society?
The positive effects are that people have a way of producing an abundant food supply. It also increased population and it led to villages and cities. It’s negative effects where that it involved long hours of demanding physical labor.
What are the earliest craft industries to emerge and how did they benefit those living in Neolithic villages?
Pottery allowed for storage of food, metallurgy allowed for the creation of tools and jewelry, and textile production allowed for the creation of clothing, carpet, and rugs.
How did early cities differ from neolithic villages and towns?
Cities were more complex with a higher population and different job professions. Also, whereas the Neolithic villages served the needs of their inhabitants and immediate neighbors, cities decisively influence the political, economic, and cultural life of large regions.
