Anther Final Exam
Mousterian
DEF: The stone tool culture in which neandertals produced tools using the levallois technique. Neanderthals made these tools from flint. The Mousterian tradition were the tools used by Neanderthals in the Middle Paleolithic. SIG: The introduction of these tools replaced the use of front teeth as tools, reducing the amount of anterior tooth wear in some later neanderthals
Homo Sapiens
DEF: Species of bipedal primates to which modern humans belong. They are characterized by a brain capacity, dependence upon language and the creation and utilization of complex tools SIG: Species of primates of which humans today belong
Brow ridge/ supraorbital torus
DEF: The large ridges of bones above the eye orbits. SIG: These are very noticeable in Homo Erectus and are the structural support for forces exerted by chewing and protection of the eyes and face
Oase
DEF: The location where the earliest H. Sapiens were present as early as 35,000yBP in the Czech Republic and Romania. The Oase 2 skull from that site is distinctively modern, contrasting with Neandertals that lived during the same time. SIG: Shows more expansion out of Africa and into Europe
Homo floresiensis
DEF: Nicknamed the "Hobbit" for its diminutive size, a possible new species of homo found in Liang Bua Cave on the Indonesia Island of Flores in 2003 SIG: Famous for its small body and size and its ability to stay alive until recent times
Vindija
DEF: One of the sites from which DNA was retrieved. All of the samples that produced the genetic material come from the Vindija Site in Croatia. It contains archaeological levels of the Mousterian and Upper Paleolithic tools. SIG: The evidence found shows the ending of the neanderthal record in eastern europe dating to 32,000yBP
Upper Paleolithic
DEF: "Upper Old Stone Age." A tool technology used by homo sapiens. Refers to the most recent part of the Old Stone Age, characterized by finely crafted stone and other types of tools with various functions SIG: There was great variation in this tool technology exemplifying increasing sophistication and specialization of tools. (???)The evolution of traditions from Middle Paleolithic to Upper Paleolithic negates ideas of mass movement of people to account for changes. The size, shape and articulations of the Neandertal hand reflect the kind of precise manual dexterity crucial for the fine-crafting tools found
Homo naledi
DEF: 1550 Specimens, 15 individuals. Extinct species of hominin, found in 2013 in South Africa. They have small bodies and small cranial cavities and have traits similar to the australopithecine. it stood upright and was bipedal and their hands seemed to be suited best for tool making and object manipulation. SIG: shows the evolution of Homo over time and in different regions.
Skhul
DEF: 5 skeleton from Israel, great example of a hominin with archaic features including a somewhat forward projecting face and pronounced brow ridges and modern features such a as a distinctive chin and no occipital bun. The Skhul and Herto hominins were on the verge of modernity or were very early modern H.Sapiens. One of the sites in Israel where modern humans were found in caves. SIG: An example of modern humans migrating outside of Africa. Modern human skulls were found here. The earliest evidence for the deliberate burial of the dead is here.
Red Ochre
DEF: A Pigment derived from the mineral hematite - used for body painting as it was commonly found on the floors of caves. Paintings of animals made with red and yellow ochre pigments have been found in paleolithic sites in France (ca. 25,000 years old), and Spain (ca. 15,000-16,500 BC). SIG: evidence that Neanderthals used symbolism at least 10,000 years before the appearance of the modern H. Sapiens
Shovel-shaped incisors
DEF: A dental trait, commonly found among Native Americans and Asians in which the incisors' posterior aspect has varying degrees of concavity SIG: Shovel-shaped incisors were common in China. This trait is most often found today in Asian populations.
Kabwe
DEF: A site in Zambia. Where Archaic H. Sapiens known as "Broken hill man"- among 1st human fossils discovered in asia. They have big brow ridges and smaller neck muscles. 350,000 - 200,000yBP SIG: The skull found here is one of the few fossil humans for which we have a good idea of the cause of death.
Ubeidiya
DEF: A site on the Jordan River in Israel, on a natural corridor out of Africa. It does not contain any hominid fossils, but contains stone tools similar to those from the Oldowan industry and many african mammal bones. SIG:It is one of the Earliest sites in Eurasia.
Hunter-Gatherer
DEF: A society in which food is obtained from wild plants and animals. Features include-long cranial vault, large robust jawbone, large teeth, few malocclusions, much tooth wear SIG: Homo Erectus was a hunter-gatherer
Homo heidelbergensis
DEF: A species of archaic human with brain size close to that of modern humans but a larger, less modern face that lived in Africa, Europe and Asia between 800,000 and 200,000 years ago. SIG: represents a stage in the evolution from Homo erectus to modern homo sapiens. Later populations of homo heidelbergensis in Europe show a number of physical similarities to a later group of European hominins that lived at the same time as modern humans—the Neanderthals.
Homo rudolfensis
DEF: A species of early Homo from Africa that lived 1.9 million years ago, with a brain size somewhat larger than Homo habilis but with larger back teeth and a broader face. SIG: is thought to be more primitive than homo habilis, despite the slightly larger cranial capacity
Homo Erectus
DEF: A species of the genus Homo that arose 1.9 MYA in Africa and then spread to parts of Asia and Europe. Homo erectus possessed very large brains like Homo rudolfensis, but also reduced size of back chewing teeth, like Homo habilis SIG: most reasonable of the early homo species to be considered ancestor to the later in time hominid species, including modern humans. One of the earliest species of genus Homo.
FoxP2
DEF: A specific gene and mutations of this gene leads to deficits in linguistic processing and orofacial movements. Two specific mutations in FOXP2 are fixed in humans compared to chimps. relates to the language of neanderthals. They had the FOXP2 gene. SIG: This was a key gene in understanding human evolution
Middle Paleolithic
DEF: A tool technology used by Homo Heidelbergensis and Neanderthals. The middle part of the Old Stone Age, associated with Mousterian tools which Neanderthals produced using the levallois technique SIG: The evolution of traditions from Middle Paleolithic to Upper Paleolithic negates ideas of mass movement of people to account for changes. This culture' stone tool technology includes complex stone tool production that negates idea that Neandertal were unintelligent as they required considerable hand-eye coordination
Dmanisi
DEF: An archaeological site in Georgia that was discovered during restorations to an ancient church. It is one of the earliest sites in Eurasia. SIG: It is considered to be the earliest hominid site outside of Africa. The earliest evidence of Homo Erectus was found here. The strong resemblance between Dmanisi Homo Erectus and some East African Homo Erectus indicates that Asian Homo Erectus originated in Africa.
Venus figurines
DEF: An art form made by Modern humans. It was a ceramic sculpture that was a pregnant woman with big boobs and butts, fertility symbols) Venus figurines" is an umbrella term for hundreds of prehistoric statuettes of women portrayed with similar physical attributes. These figurines were carved from soft stone (such as steatite, calcite or limestone), bone or ivory, or formed with clay and fired SIG: This Art forms relates to the Origins of Modern Humans.
Homo Habilis
DEF: An early species of Homo that lived in Africa between 1.9 may and 1.44 mya. Homo habilis possessed a brain size larger than that of the Australopithecus, but smaller than other species of early Homo. Also possessed smaller teeth than Australopithecus, but still larger than modern humans. SIG: Homo habilis represents a transition from Australopithecus to a later, larger-brained species in the genus Homo. One of the earliest species of genus Homo.
La Ferrassie
DEF: Archaeological site in Savignac-de-Miremont France. SIG:This was the finding site of the most complete Neanderthal skull ever found (1909)
Denisovans
DEF: Archaic H.Sapiens sharing a common origin with neandertals. We do not have evidence as to what they look like. they date back to 40,000yBP in Southern Siberia near Russia SIG: H.Sapien expansion into Russia
Atapuerca/ Sima de los Huesos
DEF: Caves in Spain that had a rich fossil record of the earliest human beings in Europe, from nearly one million years ago and extending up to the common era. SIG: The earliest European fossils were found in the caves of Atapuerca. The earliest specimen of Homo Heidelbergensis was found here. It was a cranial remain from Italy.
Vitamin D Hypothesis (Human Dipeigmentation)
DEF: Earliest immigrants to Europe were probably dark skinned, but immediately developed lighter skin by absorbing ultraviolet rays and producing more vitamin D for bone development and calcium availability. The italian geneticist Luca Cavalli-Sforza hypothesizes that the skin color change came late because earlier populations had ready access to vitamin D from the foods that they ate. However, once they began farming, the key sources of Vitamin D from fishing, herding and hunting and gathering became less available creating a greater advantage for having light skin. SIG:This very recent skin color change indicates that evolution is ongoing
Multi-Regional Model
DEF: Features/theories include-modern humans evolved from earlier archaic populations in their respective regions (Africa, Europe, Asia). The transition to modernity happened regionally without replacement. e.g. African archaic H.Sapiens gave rise to African modern H.sapiens. Throughout evolution, there is always significant gene flow on the borders of populations, there is continuity of morphology in all regions of the globe. SIG:One of two key models that anthropologists use to explain modern H. Sapiens origins. Emphasizes the importance of gene flow across population boundaries
Holocene
DEF: Followed the pleistocene period. It encompasses the growth and impacts of the human species worldwide. SIG:The development of major civilizations and overall significant transition toward urban living in the present.
Cline
DEF: Geographic continuum, a gradual change from one population to the next. ex: blood type frequencies or skin color. SIG: Humans demonstrate clinical variation
Out of Africa model
DEF: H. Sapiens first evolved in Africa and spread to Asia and Europe 50,000 yBP, replacing the indigenous archaic H.sapiens living on both continents with no gene flow. Feature/theory of this model include - modern biology, behavior and culture originated in Africa and modern humans spread from Africa to Europe. SIG: One of two key models that anthropologists use to explain modern H. Sapiens origins. Evidence that All living people are descendants of the original African group.
Zhoukoudian
DEF: Homo erectus site. It is the most northerly of the early homo sites located in North China. Fossil bones of about 45 individuals were found at Zhoukoudian site, and they have general features like those of Homo erectus, including large brow ridges with low sloping foreheads and projecting faces without a chin. Brain sizes of these fossils varied from 900 to 1200ml, the latter within the range of living humans SIG: It is unclear whether the hominids actually occupied the cave during the winter. If so, it would be the first indirect evidence for the use of clothing. Some stone tools as well as animal bones with cuts and burnt bones indicates the use of fire. There is no evidence for burials
Dali
DEF: In central China. Skulls found in Dali possessed the features of an early or archaic Homo Sapiens. It also has a flat face, similar to those of living peoples in Asia. The Dali skull has a lack of facial jutting. The fossils in Dali suggest that there is a continuity of relatively flat faces and shovel-shaped incisors. SIG: The skull fossils found in Dali suggested the continuity of human evolution in East Asia.
Hyoid
DEF: It is the U shaped bone in the neck that supports the tongue. It is a part of the neck that can survive from ancient settings. Various muscles and ligaments attach it to the skull, mandible, tongue, larynx and pharynx collectively producing speech SIG: In Homo Heidelbergensis, neanderthals (identical to humans) humans can make a wider number of sounds and do so faster than apes because the larynx and hyoid bone are positioned higher in the throat.
Perning
DEF: It is the earliest of a series of sites on the island of Java (Indonesia). A child's skull is dated to 1.6-1.8 MYA. SIG:???
La Chappelle-aux-Saints
DEF: It was a cave bordering the Sourdoire valley in central France. Found by Jean and Amedee Bouyssonie as well as L. Bardon in 1905-1908. Found the skeleton of an adult Neanderthal man SIG: First evidence of a burial site by Neanderthals
Mitochondrial DNA
DEF: Miniature chromosome containing 37 Genes is inherited just from the mother. Identifies a person's physical appearance. Studies of mitDNA haplogroups in Native Americans have yielded information about human migrations from Asia to the Americas SIG: Neanderthals had mitochondrial DNA. Suggests that Neanderthals were a separate species and there was no interbreeding with modern humans (it is possible that mitochondrial DNA did not show interbreeding because of some genetic drift)
Deliberate Burial of the Dead
DEF: Neanderthals deliberately buried their dead. The presence of some flowers over the bodies and dug pits with skeletons shows some sort of deliberate burials. This event was reconstructed based on the presence of fossil pollen in the graves. SIG: It exemplified the culture of Neanderthals and that they believed in afterlife. Burial is a more recent behavior and serves a ritualistic purpose, expresses supernatural beliefs. These burials were not performed only by modern human-like creatures, but by Neanderthals too. Exemplified that Neanderthals were capable of very complex behavior.
Pleistocene
DEF: This is the time period when Neanderthals disappeared because of their assimilation by much larger, more genetically diverse populations migrating from africa into Europe during this time period. SIG: This is the period that marked when the Homo increasingly became a predator genus. The last 50,000 years of the Pleistocene we saw fully modern people spread into asia and europe but also continents that had not been previously occupied by humans.
Occiptal bun
DEF: This is when the back of the skull is puffed out SIG: One of a physical characteristic of the Neanderthals.
Lake Turkana
DEF: Where the Turkana Boy was discovered in 1984. It is a site in Northern Kenya where the earliest well documented fossils of Homo have been found. The fossils of at least 5 pre-australopithecine were found in the Tugen Hills on the western side of the lake SIG: Homo Habilis, Rudolfensis and erectus were all found at Lake Turkana. Also the oldest australopithecus were found here
Nariokotome
DEF: a fossil site on the west side of lake turkana, kenya SIG: where the most complete skeleton of an early hominid was found, the Nariokotome boy.
Levallois Technique
DEF: a method of making more sophisticated stone tools in which a stone core is prepared in such a way that finished tools can be removed from it by a final blow. Also known as the prepared-core method. SIG: This tool technique maximizes the utility of stone cores--more tools can be made from a single core and shows how Homo Heidelbergensis can visualize their final product. The use of such a technique indicates that neanderthals could visualize the shape and size of a tool from a stone core an advanced cognitive ability
Selective Sweep
DEF: a region of the genome that stays relatively unchanged because of selective pressure on beneficial mutations within that region. Also this is when a chunk of genes rises to prominence very quickly because something was favored in the natural selection gene. A person who has one type of gene typically has the other gene which makes it so that the other gene comes along with the favored gene and becomes prevalent as well. SIG:There was a relatively recent "selective sweep" in the FOXP2 region of the human genome.
Homo Neanderthalensis
DEF: a species of the Early Homo. Defining features include: large middle part of the face, angled cheek bones, large nose, Bodies were shorter than us but the brain size was almost the same. SIG: Closest extinct human relative
Shanidar
DEF: an archaeological site located in Iraq. The remains of 8 Neanderthals, dating from 35,000 to 65,000 years ago, have been found within the cave. SIG: The presence of some flowers over the bodies shows some sort of deliberate burials. This event was reconstructed based on the presence of fossil pollen in the graves.
Chin
DEF: the protruding part of the face below the mouth, formed by the apex of the lower jaw. SIG: Homo erectus' in North China had large brow ridges, low sloping foreheads and projecting faces without a chin. Chins were found in homo sapiens, but the Homo Heidelbergensis lacked a chin. This was a general feature of Homo Erectus.
Agriculturalist
DEF:A person who cultivates land and grows crops. They differ from hunters and gatherers by the following Features include short skull, small teeth, many malocclusions, little tooth wear. They have begun to eat their food differently and as a result their bodies are changing. SIG: This was the change from hunting and gathering to actual farming and during this time their bodies began to adapt as well
Autosomal/ Nuclear DNA
DEF:All chromosomes except the sex chromosomes, that occur in pairs in all somatic cells (not the gametes) Nonsex chromosomes SIG: Extractions from Neanderthal bones of nuclear DNA have been interpreted as documenting varying levels of evolutionary distance between this group and living humans.
Assimilation Model
DEF:The Features and theories of this include- modern humans first evolved in Africa then spread to Europe and Asia, once they arrived in Europe and Asia, modern humans underwent gene flow with Neanderthals. SIG:Another model that anthropologists used to explain modern H. Sapiens origins. The admixture is the biological foundation for modern H.sapiens living outside of Africa. Explains Neanderthal's disappearance was not extinction but assimilation by larger, more genetically diverse population.
Schoningen Spears
DEF:they are 8 wooden throwing spears from the Paleolithic age, that were found between 1994-1998 in the open cast lignite mine in Germany. They are the oldest completely preserved hunting weapons in the world. SIG: Give us first evidence of the "active hunt"
