Textbook: Chapter 2, H. Sapians Flashcards
When did H. sapiens first leave Africa, and what impact did they have on H. neanderthalensis?
H. sapiens likely left Africa around 125,000 years ago, eventually spreading to Europe about 50,000 years ago. Upon encountering the harsh glacial climate of Europe and competition from H. neanderthalensis, H. sapiens experienced a cultural and behavioral explosion that likely contributed to the eventual replacement of H. neanderthalensis.
What evidence suggests that H. sapiens and H. neanderthalensis may have coexisted and even interbred?
A) Fossil records showing shared habitats
B) Genetic evidence showing a 1-4% contribution from Neanderthals to non-African genomes
C) Tools found in shared caves
D) Direct archaeological evidence of conflict
B
What does the sequencing of Neanderthal genomes suggest about their interaction with H. sapiens?
Sequencing of Neanderthal genomes indicates that H. sapiens interbred with H. neanderthalensis between 80,000 and 50,000 years ago, contributing a small but significant amount to the modern human gene pool.
How did H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens respond to climate changes and competition when they coexisted in Europe?
Both species adapted to the worsening climate by inventing new tools, weapons, and ornaments. H. neanderthalensis had already adapted to previous climate changes, but the arrival of H. sapiens increased competition for resources, leading both species to develop more sophisticated technologies.
What technological advancements did both H. neanderthalensis and H. sapiens create during their coexistence?
A) Stone tools, bone carvings, beads, and ornaments
B) The invention of fire and early agriculture
C) Bronze tools and pottery
D) Sailing vessels and agriculture
A
What led to the extinction of H. neanderthalensis and the dominance of H. sapiens in Europe?
The combination of increasing competition from H. sapiens and a worsening glacial climate overwhelmed H. neanderthalensis, leading to their retreat and eventual extinction. H. sapiens continued to expand culturally and geographically, displacing H. neanderthalensis permanently.
How did H. sapiens’ behavior change from 40,000 to 20,000 BP, and what distinguished them from other species?
During this period of climatic stress, H. sapiens developed a rich material culture and social networks, distinguishing themselves from other species. They created a variety of blades using stone and flint from distant locations, adapting to the changing environment and increasing hunting difficulties.
What technological advancement is associated with H. sapiens during the glacial maximum around 18,000 BP?
A) The invention of the wheel
B) High-quality flint blades made from materials mined from over 250 miles away
C) The development of agriculture
D) The creation of bronze tools
B
What cultural and social developments marked the emergence of H. sapiens during the period of 23,000 to 21,000 BP?
The discovery of Venus figurines across a wide geographic area signaled a common art form, while advances in clothing and housing allowed H. sapiens to thrive in harsh environments. Their development of social relationships and trade networks also contributed to their success.
How did H. sapiens adapt during the glacial maximum (23,000-21,000 BP) to survive in deteriorating climates?
H. sapiens developed complex social alliances, improved housing, innovated with blade technology, and stored food, allowing them to survive as food resources dwindled and ice sheets expanded.
What was significant about the global expansion of H. sapiens between 60,000 to 40,000 BP?
Unlike the earlier migration of H. erectus, H. sapiens overcame geographical and climatic barriers, leading to their spread across the globe, including reaching Australia and North America.
What was the role of population size and social networks in the survival of H. sapiens during their global expansion?
H. sapiens relied on interconnected communities of 175 to 500 people, which helped prevent extinction and supported their successful colonization of new areas.
