Social Science Vocab
This type of social scientist studies human behaviors, cultures, and beliefs.
Early humans used this natural force to cook their food, provide heat, and keep warm.
fire
The process where humans changed features of wild plants and animals to meet their own needs.
domestication
The earliest turning point on our timeline, involving how early hominids physically moved.
walking upright
Because people in early cities lived much closer together, they needed to create these to maintain order.
rules and laws
This branch of social science studies how people interact with Earth's physical features.
geography
The primary method early Paleolithic humans used to get their food before farming existed.
foraging
The major agricultural transition event that separates the Paleolithic Era and the Neolithic Era
Agricultural Revolution
The turning point that allowed early humans to shape sharp edges out of rocks for hunting and cutting.
making stone tools
A new health challenge that arose when people started living together in communities.
the spread of disease
This term describes a lifestyle where people move around in small family groups rather than staying in one place.
One major benefit of foraging for early humans regarding their diet.
having access to a wide variety of food
not spending all day getting food
Instead of moving around constantly, Neolithic people began settling in these larger permanent structures.
Order these three turning points chronologically: Storing Food, Walking Upright, Written Language
1. Walking Upright
2. Storing Food
3. Written Language
Unlike small family bands, complex societies required this type of person to help organize and make decisions.
chief or leader
This practice means using only what you need without damaging or changing the environment too much.
sustainability/living sustainably
Two physical evolutionary changes that occurred in early humans during the Paleolithic Era.
walking on two legs and growing larger brains
This crucial turning point allowed Neolithic people to keep extra food for later to support growing populations.
food storage
The major turning point that came last on the unit timeline, marking the end of prehistory.
written language
sanitation
This is the study of ancient life by examining fossils left behind.
paleontology
Between the Paleolithic Era and the Neolithic Era, this era lasted significantly longer.
Paleolithic Era
Large animals like mammoths and sabertooth cats whose populations decreased as human societies expanded.
megafauna
Two major turning points on the timeline that took place in the Paleolithic Era.
walking upright, making stone tools, controlling fire
Three key elements required in a CER paragraph when answering your assessment essay question.
specific claim, factual evidence, reasoning