Unit 1: Early Human History Flashcards
What were the Paleolithic and Neolithic eras characterized by?
The Paleolithic era was characterized by hunting and gathering. The Neolithic era was characterized by farming.
The Neolithic era came before the Paleolithic, true or false?
False.
From 20,000 BCE to 10,000 BCE, what was happening to global temperatures?
They were rising.
Where did the early homo sapiens [human] species most likely originate from?
Africa.
What is a false reason large mammals went extinct 10,000 years ago?
A FALSE reason would be that a deadly virus spread amongst the populations.
What animals were humans chasing across Beringia into North America?
Steppe bison and woolly mammoths.
What two major events that proudly influenced the development of humanity thousands of years ago?
The extinction of big mammals and geographic isolation.
Why did camels and horses go extinct in the Americas?
When humans were crossing the land bridge, camels and horses were crossing the other way, OUT of America.
What is a FAKE way humans adapted to the loss of large mammals in Northern regions?
A FAKE way is that they started hunting them. That doesn’t make much sense added up, huh?
What was the first permanent settlement in America known as?
Poverty Point.
What was a characteristic thought to be consistent with hunter-gatherer tribes, but that the people of Poverty Point disproved?
Growing corn.
What was the single most important crop that fueled human development in America?
Corn, or maize.
What is the name of corn’s ancient ancestor?
Teosinte.
The original ancestor of corn was less sweet, true or false?
True.
The original ancestor of corn was smaller, true or false?
True.
What is NOT a reason corn cultivation helped early humans survive in America?
A reason it did NOT help was that it was rich in protein and fat, essential to a growing population. Remember, this reason is FAKE.
Which tribe was NOT a member of Southwestern tribes and cultures?
The Cahokians were NOT a Southwestern tribe.
Which form of categorization is not used to differentiate ancient tribes?
a. The style of buildings/architecture
b. The style of art and pottery
c. The types of tools they used
d. Burial rites/traditions
They ALL are correct. All can and are oftentimes used.
Which ancient Southwestern culture was known for matrilineal [female] succession?
The Pueblo, or the Anasazi.
True or False? Ancient Southwestern groups were not known for huge population, but rather being able to survive and thrive in the harsh dryness and heat of the desert.
True.
Which ancient city was the pinnacle of Mississippian culture before European conquest in America?
Cahokia.
At Cahokia’s height in 1150 AD, about how many people lived there?
10,000-40,000 people.
About how many years ago did Mesoamericans start domesticating/selectively breeding ancient grasses into modern-day corn?
7,000-10,000 years ago.
True or False? There were distinct class divisions in Cahokia. The elites lived in bigger homes/had richer diets/etc.
True.
True or False? In addition to a ranking system, the chieftain of Cahokia was considered the moon’s brother.
False. You probably thought it was true, lol.
Probably True or False? Cahokia had enemies.
Probably true.
True or False? Many believe Cahokia had enemies because it had a three-mile long palisade [a long wooden stick wall with pointy sticks poking out in order to keep intruders out].
True.
What was NOT a purpose of Woodhenge?
Something that was NOT a purpose of Woodhenge was climbing the poles and conducting rituals on top of them.
True or False? Cahokians were religious and conducted rituals/built temples on top of mounds.
True.
What is NOT a reason civil centers all over North America were collapsing?
Civil unrest is a FALSE reason this had happened.
True or False? By 1500, there was no longer communication or cooperation with other tribes. They lived in isolation and trading routes were abolished.
True.
What is genetic engineering?
The direct modification of an organisms genome, a list of specific traits stored in the DNA of that organism.
True or False? Genetically modified organisms are called GMO’s.
True.
What major events occured making GMO’s a modern-day thing and part of normal life?
1) The first genetically modified bacteria were created.
2) The first GM mice were created.
3) The first commercial sales of GMO’s. (insulin-producing bacterias)
4) The first sales of GM fish food.
5) The first sales of GM pets. (Glofish, look it up.)
What is NOT a legitimate method of genetic modification?
Plastic surgery is an ILLEGITIMATE method of genetic modification, meaning it couldn’t happen.
