Lesson 1: Human Origins
Which of the following would a scientist studying fossils be most likely to examine?
A skull fragment
The prosperity of the Kushite civilization was based on
An extensive trade network
Early West African kingdoms grew wealthy by exporting what resource?
Gold
In North Africa, overgrazing has contributed to what environmental challenge?
Desertification
What is an artifact?
An object made or used by humans
What was the main unit of society in early Stone Age culture?
A small band of people
What event marked the start of Egypt’s first dynasty?
The union of Upper Egypt and Lower Egypt
Millions of people across East, Central, and southern Africa today speak languages that developed from the language introduced by the _______________ who migrated from western Africa.
Bantu
Tense relations between the Hausa people and the Igbos and Yorubas in Nigeria is an example of?
Ethnic Conflict
What does polytheism mean?
The belief or worship in more than one God.
Where did migration of modern humans begin?
Migration of modern humans began in East Africa.
Which groups helped the pharaoh rule Egypt?
Nobles, priests, and officials
What body of water was important to both Mali and Songhai?
The Niger River
NGOs, which have worked to solve environmental, social, and health problems, are largely funded by?
Private individuals and organizations
Why do many Africans not have access to clean water?
A lack of infrastructure like waste disposal and water treatment systems.
Where did humans move first?
Humans moved first to West Africa and Southwest Asia.
How did the hieroglyphics of Egypt differ from the Meroitic script of Kush?
Hieroglyphics used pictures and symbols; Meroitic script used an alphabet
Which development helped strengthen Christianity in Ethiopia?
The rise of the Zagwe Dynsasty
What is the contribution to the high rate of AIDS death in Africa?
The lack of health care.
Why was the discovery of the skeleton of “Lucy” so important?
Lucy’s skeleton provided evidence that early humans who walked upright lived in East Africa 3.2 million years ago
Name three characteristics of hunter-gatherer bands.
Bands were made up of 10-12 people (gatherers)
Traveled place to place
Bands lived in caves and shelters
How was the Nile River important in the development of civilization in ancient Egypt?
The flooding of the Nile made the soil fertile so it could produce enough food to allow civilization
How did Axum’s role in the world of trade compare with Kush’s role?
Both empires used the Red Seas for trade as far way as Rome in the west and India in the east
What is the state of democracy in Africa today?
Full democracy in Africa is rare because governments limit rights and elections are unfair.
How would better education and health care help many African countries improve their economies?
Individuals would be able to work which would result in being able to produce more goods and services