Week 3 (Notes) 1 Flashcards
What was the outdated story of human origin?
Humans originated in Africa, spread out, and wiped out other human species like Neanderthals.
What has undermined the idea that humans wiped out Neanderthals?
Genetic evidence of interbreeding, as shown by 2% Neanderthal DNA in people of European descent.
Why is the concept of a “pristine environment” questioned?
Humans have impacted ecosystems since the last Ice Age.
What modern bias affects our view of ancient humans?
Thinking of our ancestors as “primitive.”
How did cooking influence human evolution?
Cooking allowed for smaller jaws and larger brain cases over time.
Besides cooking, what other purpose did fire serve for early humans?
Fire was used for land clearance and predator control.
What is silviculture?
The practice of managing forested land, used by early humans.
Why were parts of New Zealand cleared by fire 1,500 years ago?
For hunting protection, not agriculture.
How did hunter-gatherer societies obtain food?
By relying on locally available resources or traveling to find them.
How has agriculture’s labor demand changed in modern times?
Only 2% of Canadians work in agriculture today, compared to 80% in the past.
