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Ant 175 > Exam 1 > Flashcards

Exam 1 Flashcards

1
Q

Survey

A

A systematic approach to locate archaeological sites using methods like walking the landscape, remote sensing, or geophysical techniques.

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2
Q

Excavation

A

The process of digging to uncover artifacts and features. It requires careful planning, recording, and stratigraphic analysis.

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3
Q

Artifact

A

Any object made or used by humans, often found during excavations (e.g., tools, pottery).

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4
Q

Ecofact

A

Natural items (like plant remains or animal bones) that provide information about past human diets and environments.

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5
Q

Feature

A

Non-portable remnants of past human activity, such as hearths, walls, or post holes, which provide insight into how people lived.

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6
Q

Site Formation Processes

A

The combination of natural and cultural processes that affect how sites are created, maintained, and altered over time.

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7
Q

Significance of Context:

A

Context refers to the relationship between artifacts and their surroundings. It is crucial for understanding their use and significance.

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8
Q

What is Archaeology?

A

A discipline that studies human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of material remains.

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9
Q

Subfields of Anthropology:

A

Cultural Anthropology: The study of contemporary cultures.
Physical Anthropology: Focuses on biological aspects of humans.
Archaeology: Studies past cultures through artifacts.
Linguistic Anthropology: Examines language in social contexts

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10
Q

Three Age System:

A

A framework developed by Christian J. Thomsen that classifies prehistory into three ages: Stone, Bronze, and Iron.

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11
Q

Difference between Archaeology and Pseudoarchaeology:

A

Archaeology is based on scientific evidence and methodologies, while pseudoarchaeology promotes theories lacking empirical support.

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12
Q

How Do Archaeologists Find Sites?

A

Remote Sensing: Techniques like ground-penetrating radar or magnetic surveys to locate sites without excavation.
Aerial Reconnaissance: Using aircraft or drones to identify archaeological features.
LiDAR: Light Detection and Ranging; a method that uses laser pulses to create detailed maps of the landscape.

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13
Q

Law of Superposition

A

A fundamental principle stating that in undisturbed layers of rock or soil, the oldest layers are at the bottom, and the younger ones are on top.

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14
Q

Stratigraphy

A

The study of rock layers and layering. In archaeology, it helps determine the relative ages of artifacts based on their stratification.

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15
Q

NAGPRA

A

The Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act, which provides a process for museums and federal agencies to return Native American cultural items to their respective peoples.

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16
Q

Style:

A

The distinctive characteristics of artifacts that can reflect cultural, chronological, or individual preferences.

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17
Q

Experimental Archaeology and Ethnoarchaeology

A

Experimental Archaeology: The recreation of ancient techniques to understand past behaviors and processes.
Ethnoarchaeology: The study of contemporary cultures to gain insights into past human behaviors.

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18
Q

Lithics:

A

Stone tools and artifacts, crucial for understanding early human technology and culture.

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19
Q

Pottery

A

Ceramic vessels created by shaping and firing clay, providing insights into past human diets, storage, and cultural practices.
Absolute and Relative

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20
Q

Absolute Chronology:

A

Techniques that provide a specific date (e.g., radiocarbon dating).

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21
Q

Relative Chronology:

A

Establishes the sequence of events or artifacts without exact dates.

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22
Q

Radiocarbon Dating

A

A method for determining the age of organic materials by measuring the decay of carbon-14 isotopes.

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23
Q

Dendrochronology:

A

The study of tree rings to date events and understand past climates.

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24
Q

Pleistocene:

A

An epoch characterized by repeated glaciations and the presence of large mammals (megafauna) like woolly mammoths.

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25
Q

Holocene:

A

The current geological epoch, following the Pleistocene, marked by the rise of human civilizations and significant climate changes.

26
Q

Anthropocene:

A

A proposed epoch highlighting the profound impact humans have had on the Earth’s geology and ecosystems.

27
Q

Michigan Relics:

A

Artifacts from prehistoric cultures found in Michigan, often associated with Native American history.

28
Q

Laurentide Ice Sheet Retreat:

A

The melting of this massive ice sheet opened up North America for human migration and changed landscapes.

29
Q

Human Migration to the Americas:

A

Humans migrated from Asia to North America across the Beringia land bridge during the Pleistocene.

30
Q

Beringia Land Bridge:

A

A land connection between Asia and North America that existed during the Ice Ages, facilitating human migration.

31
Q

Ice-Free Corridor:

A

A route between the ice sheets that allowed early humans to move into North America.

32
Q

Megafauna Extinction:

A

The disappearance of large mammals (e.g., mammoths, mastodons) at the end of the Pleistocene, likely due to climate change and human hunting.

33
Q

Clovis Projectile Points and Culture:

A

Clovis points are characteristic stone tools associated with early big-game hunters in North America.

34
Q

Fishtail Projectile Points:

A

Tools associated with prehistoric peoples in South America, characterized by their distinctive shape.

35
Q

Monte Verde

A

An important archaeological site in Chile that provides evidence of early human habitation in the Americas, predating Clovis culture.

36
Q

Atlatl:

A

A spear-throwing device that enhances the velocity and distance of thrown projectiles.

37
Q

Paleoindian Period:

A

The earliest period of human occupation in North America, characterized by hunting and gathering.

38
Q

Camp Sites:

A

Locations where prehistoric peoples set up temporary or semi-permanent residences.

39
Q

Kill Sites:

A

Areas where animals were hunted, often containing evidence of butchering.

40
Q

Quarries:

A

Locations where prehistoric peoples extracted stone to make tools.

41
Q

Technology:

A

Refers to the tools and methods used by prehistoric peoples to adapt to their environment.

42
Q

Folsom Points:

A

Distinctive fluted stone tools used by prehistoric hunters, particularly associated with bison hunting.

43
Q

Archaic Period:

A

A period characterized by diverse subsistence strategies and the development of regional cultures.

44
Q

Alpena-Amberly Ridge:

A

A significant prehistoric landscape in Michigan that provided resources for ancient peoples. Caribou experiment.

45
Q

Lake Stanley:

A

An important archaeological site reflecting human activity during the prehistoric period.

46
Q

Social Complexity:

A

The organization of societies into hierarchical structures with specialized roles.

47
Q

Environmental Determinism:

A

The theory that physical geography significantly influences human behavior and societal development.

48
Q

Old Copper Complex

A

: A prehistoric culture in the Great Lakes region known for its use of copper tools.

49
Q

Subsistence Strategy:

A

The methods by which a society obtains food (e.g., hunting, gathering, farming).

50
Q

Typology:

A

The classification of artifacts into types based on shared characteristics, helping to understand cultural practices.

51
Q

Juntunen Site and Phase:

A

An archaeological site in Michigan linked to the Old Copper Complex, providing insights into prehistoric life.

52
Q

White Rock:

A

An archaeological site significant for understanding Native American cultures.

53
Q

Poverty Point:

A

A major prehistoric earthwork site in Louisiana, known for its large mounds and complex society.

54
Q

Mound Building:

A

The practice of constructing earthen mounds for burial, ceremonial, or habitation purposes, common among various prehistoric cultures.

55
Q

Hopewell Culture:

A

A prehistoric Native American culture known for its mound-building, extensive trade networks, and elaborate burial practices.

56
Q

Three Sisters Agriculture:

A

A farming method involving the planting of corn, beans, and squash together for mutual benefit.

57
Q

Woodland Period:

A

A period marked by the development of pottery, mound-building, and the establishment of more sedentary communities.

58
Q

Longhouses and Wigwams:

A

Types of dwellings used by various Native American cultures in the Woodland Period, reflecting social organization and community.

59
Q

Eastern Agricultural Complex:

A

A set of domesticated plants that became the foundation of agriculture in eastern North America.

60
Q

Cahokia and Mississippian Culture:

A

Cahokia was a large urban center of the Mississippian culture, known for its impressive mounds and complex social structures.

Ant 175 (1 decks)

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