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Analyzing Artifacts- Archaeologists use technology to
study artifacts. Their discoveries may result in new
evidence that modifies old theories about ancient
humans.
Hominins- The lifespan of the hominins extends from
5.8 million years ago to the present. Hominins include a
significant number of distinct species.
Habitat and Environment- Hominins survived changes
in their environment by being adaptable. This allowed
them to endure for millions of years.
Reach Into Your Background
What kind of clues are
left behind at a crime
scene? What can we
learn from those clues?
What can we learn from
clues left by people who
have died thousands of
years ago?
(5 minutes)
Partner Activity
Work with a neighbor and compare your answer with theirs. What things are the same and what things are different? (3 minutes)
Key Ideas- Analyzing Artifacts
Early archaeologists often collected only the
most valuable artifacts. They did not always
keep good records or take good care of the site.
Today, archaeologists follow strict rules to
preserve both artifacts and sites.
Archaeologists study the technology and
culture of ancient civilizations.
Archaeologists as Detectives
Archaeologists are social
scientists who study how people
lived in an earlier time.
They examine the remains of
what those people made and
used.
They are like detectives. They
investigate the clues left behind
and piece together the story of
how ancient peoples lived.
The Study of Artifacts
Many archaeologists today
work for universities or
museums.
Often archaeologists travel
to the location where
ancient people lived to
search for artifacts—
remains and objects.
The Study of Artifacts
What archaeologists find
provides them with
information about what
early life was like.
Archaeologists must
carefully record and analyze
the artifacts they find.
They then share this
information with others.
Key Term
Artifact- An
object made
by human
beings; often
refers to a
primitive tool
or other relic
from an earlier
period.
A Developing Science
Today, archaeology is a
science, but it did not
start out this way.
In the early 1900s,
archaeologists were
explorers.
Often, they focused on
finding valuable items
that could be sold.
A Developing Science
Early archaeologists did not
always take the greatest of
care with smaller, fragile
artifacts that they believed
to be less valuable. Many
artifacts were destroyed
By the 1960s, archaeology
had become a more exact
science.
Tools of the Craft
Archaeologists often search
for years before they find a
site to dig.
They look for elements that
would help the creation of a
civilization.
They search in places
close to water and with
good soil quality.
Sites of large cities or
societies are likely to
contain more artifacts.
Tools of the Craft
Fossils and other artifacts
help to explain who lived in
certain areas and when they
lived there.
Old tools reveal information
about the technological
abilities of a people.
Sculpture, art, and pottery
provide clues about ancient
cultures and the people’s
beliefs.
Key Term
Fossil- The
remains (or an
impression) of
a plant or
animal that
existed in the
past
geological
age.
Key Term
Culture- The
attitudes and
behavior that
are
characteristic
of a particular
social group or
organization.
Careful Study
Present-day
archaeology has
worldwide rules for
digging.
Shovels and picks are
used only for a small
portion of the work.
Much more is done with
much smaller
instruments to avoid
destroying anything.
Research and Teamwork
The found objects are also
studied extensively.
Laboratory analysis is
performed to see how old
the material is.
Often scientists from other
fields examine the artifacts,
too. Their knowledge
contributes information that
the archaeologist might not
have.
Conclusion
Archaeologists use artifacts to
learn about ancient people
and cultures.
They draw conclusions from
their research about the daily
lives of ancient humans. They
are particularly interested in
the technology and culture of
ancient civilizations.
Key Ideas- Hominins
Each subsequent hominin increased in height
and brain size.
Over time, hominins began walking on two
feet instead of climbing.
Exploring hominins helps us understand more
about modern humans. The discovery of
Homo erectus solidified the theory that Africa
is the birthplace of humanity.
Technology
Looking at technology can
tell us about the lifestyles
of people. For example,
consider the discovery of
spears used by early
humans.
These might suggest that
the civilization was
centered on hunting, or that
the people faced threats
from other people or wild
animals.
Technology
Later civilizations
developed farming tools
like plows.
The discovery of these
tools is a sign that people
grew crops.
They were settled down in
one location, not
constantly moving in
search of food.
Hominin Prehistory and Hominins
In 1992, archaeologists
found a molar tooth in
Ethiopia.
This tooth was unlike
any remain that had
been seen before.
Archaeologists believed
that they had found a
new kind of hominin.
Hominin Prehistory and Hominins
The ancient skeleton was
thought to be more than
five million years old.
Archaeologists called the
species Ardipithecus, and
nicknamed the skeleton
“Ardi.”
Archaeologists concluded
that Ardi was about 4
feet tall and weighed 110
pounds.
Hominin Prehistory and Hominins
Archaeologists also
determined that she was
she walked on two feet.
She also climbed trees and
could grasp with her feet.
She did not walk on her
knuckles like an ape, nor
did she climb as easily as a
chimpanzee.
Species of Hominins
There are many species of
hominins.
Modern humans are the
only ones that survive
today.
However, all hominins are
part of the hominid family,
which also includes
gorillas and chimpanzees.
Key Ideas- Hominin Habitats
Hominins had to cope with intense weather shifts that
lasted for years. These conditions affected where they
lived.
Larger brain size in later hominins allowed them to
process information and adapt to the changing
environments.
Later hominins learned to make tools, find shelter, and
control fire. These developments helped them to survive
harsh environments and move to new locations.
Hominin Habitats
Scientists can determine
the climate, environment,
and habitats of hominins
millions of years ago.
Hominins were very
adaptable.
They endured for several
million years during
unpredictable
environmental change.
Hominin Habitats
The unpredictable weather
played a large role in where
early hominins chose to
settle.
Hominins lived by sources of
food and water.
If the environment changed,
hominins had to move.
Otherwise, they might die.
They avoided places with
few resources..
Location of Earliest Hominins
Much evidence of the
earliest hominins has been
found in Africa.
Africa provided wooded
areas and grassland where
animals grazed.
Plants, fruits, insects, and
small animals were
plentiful.
Adapting to New Environments
The ability to adapt was
necessary for survival.
Caves protected them from the
elements. Their shelters also
provided a place to store food.
Eventually, hominins learned
to use fire. These
developments enabled some to
move to regions in Asia and
Europe where they would not
have survived before.
Independent Activity
What has been the
“muddiest” point so
far in this lesson? That
is, what topic remains
the least clear to you?
(4 minutes)