What term describes the earliest humans who walked upright?
Hominids
What do hunter-gatherers primarily rely on for food?
Wild plants and animals
What is the Ice Age and when did it occur?
A period of long-term reduction in Earth's temperature, occurring approximately 2.4 million years ago to about 11,500 years ago.
What is the Agricultural Revolution?
A period when humans transitioned from nomadic hunting and gathering to settled agricultural societies.
What is archaeology?
The study of human history and prehistory through excavation and analysis of artifacts.
Name one of the first tools created by early humans.
Stone tools (e.g., hand axes)
How did the development of tools help hunter-gatherers?
Tools allowed them to hunt more efficiently and process food.
How did the Ice Age affect human migration patterns?
It forced humans to move to warmer areas and find new food sources.
Name one staple crop that was domesticated during the Agricultural Revolution.
Wheat or barley
How do archaeologists learn about ancient cultures?
Through excavating sites, analyzing artifacts, and studying ancient human remains.
In which region did some of the earliest hominids evolve?
East Africa
Describe one way hunter-gatherers adapted to their environment.
They used natural resources available in their environment (e.g., building shelters from local materials).
Name one animal that went extinct during the Ice Age.
Woolly mammoth
How did the Agricultural Revolution change the way humans lived?
It allowed people to settle in one place, leading to the development of villages and cities.
Name one major technological advancement during the early human era.
The bow and arrow or pottery
What is the significance of cave paintings in understanding early human culture?
They provide insight into the beliefs and daily life of early humans.
What was a common shelter used by hunter-gatherers?
Temporary structures like tents or huts made from branches and animal skins.
What adaptations did humans make to survive in colder climates?
They wore animal skins and built insulated shelters.
What is one impact of domesticated animals on human societies?
Domesticated animals provided labor, food, and materials like wool and leather.
What is the significance of the Fertile Crescent in early human history?
It was a fertile area that allowed for early agriculture and the rise of civilizations.
Describe the role of fire in the lives of early humans.
Explain the social structure of hunter-gatherer societies.
They were often organized in small groups or bands, with shared responsibilities.
How did the melting of ice at the end of the Ice Age impact human societies?
It created new habitats for plants and animals, leading to increased food sources for humans.
Discuss how the Agricultural Revolution led to the development of cities.
It led to population growth and the need for more organized societies.
Describe how trade began to develop among early human communities.
Trade began as communities exchanged surplus goods for resources they lacked.