Early Humans Of Paleolithic And Neolithic Periods! Trivia Quiz

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Early Humans Of Paleolithic And Neolithic Periods! Trivia Quiz - Quiz


How well do you know about early humans of the Paleolithic and Neolithic Periods? To pass this quiz, you should know what the word anthropology means, what constitutes an artifact, what the term used to describe a human being who walks upright, where the early technological advancements occurred, what allowed some early settlers to come out of Africa, etc. This quiz will teach you about the early humans of this specific period.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    Which of the following describes the term anthropology?

    • A.

      Anthropology is the study of human life and culture.

    • B.

      "Anthropology" comes from the ancient Greek words meaning "study of man".

    • C.

      Anthropology can involve the study of both past and present human societies.

    • D.

      All of the above.

    • E.

      A and B only.

    Correct Answer
    D. All of the above.
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "All of the above." This is because the term anthropology encompasses the study of human life and culture, as well as the study of both past and present human societies. The word "anthropology" is derived from ancient Greek words meaning "study of man," further supporting the idea that it involves the comprehensive study of human beings and their societies.

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  • 2. 

    The period before the development of writing is called

    Correct Answer
    prehistory
    Explanation
    The period before the development of writing is referred to as prehistory. This term is used to describe the time in human history when there was no written record of events. It encompasses the time when humans relied on oral traditions and archaeological evidence to understand the past. Prehistory is a crucial period as it provides insights into early human cultures, their lifestyles, and technological advancements. It is through the study of prehistory that we can understand the origins and development of human societies before the advent of written language.

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  • 3. 

    Which of the following is an artifact?

    • A.

      An ancient weapon found in a tomb

    • B.

      A 200 year old coin found at the bottom of a water well

    • C.

      A piece of pottery found a top Black Mesa

    • D.

      A petroglyph

    • E.

      All of the above

    Correct Answer
    E. All of the above
    Explanation
    All of the given options are artifacts because they are objects that have been made or modified by humans in the past and have historical or cultural significance. The ancient weapon found in a tomb, the 200-year-old coin found at the bottom of a water well, the piece of pottery found atop Black Mesa, and the petroglyph are all examples of objects created or used by humans in the past that provide valuable insights into ancient civilizations and their practices.

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  • 4. 

    The study of the past through the analysis of material humans left behind is called

    Correct Answer
    archaeology
    Explanation
    Archaeology is the study of the past by analyzing the material remains left behind by humans. It involves excavating and examining artifacts, structures, and other physical evidence to understand and interpret past cultures, societies, and behaviors. By studying these material remains, archaeologists can reconstruct and analyze aspects of human history, such as ancient civilizations, their lifestyles, technologies, and interactions with the environment. Archaeology plays a crucial role in understanding our collective human heritage and provides valuable insights into the development and evolution of human societies over time.

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  • 5. 

    What is one way we describe Paleolithic people, based on their method of food acquisition?

    Correct Answer
    hunter gatherers
    hunter gatherer
    hunter-gatherers
    hunter-gatherer
    Explanation
    Paleolithic people are described as hunter-gatherers based on their method of food acquisition. This term refers to a society that relies on hunting wild animals and gathering plants, rather than engaging in agriculture or domesticating animals for food. Hunter-gatherer societies were characterized by their nomadic lifestyle, moving from place to place in search of food sources. They had a deep knowledge of the natural environment and utilized various tools and techniques to secure their sustenance. This lifestyle was prevalent during the Paleolithic era, which lasted from about 2.6 million years ago to around 10,000 BCE.

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  • 6. 

    What is a nomad?

    • A.

      A person who moves around a lot to escape imprisonment

    • B.

      A person who moves around a lot to find food sources

    • C.

      A person with no permanent home

    • D.

      B and C only

    • E.

      A and b only

    Correct Answer
    D. B and C only
    Explanation
    A nomad is a person with no permanent home who moves around a lot to find food sources. This means that the correct answer is B and C only.

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  • 7. 

    What is the oldest, longest-lasting, most unchanging tool ever created by humans?

    Correct Answer
    stone hand axe
    stone axe
    hand axe
    Explanation
    The stone hand axe, stone axe, and hand axe are all considered to be the oldest, longest-lasting, and most unchanging tools ever created by humans. These tools were used by early humans for various purposes such as hunting, cutting, and shaping objects. Made from stone, they were durable and could withstand the test of time. The design and functionality of these axes remained relatively unchanged for thousands of years, making them a significant tool in human history.

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  • 8. 

    What term do we use to describe a creature that walks upright on two feet (bipedal)?

    Correct Answer
    hominid
    Explanation
    A hominid is the correct term used to describe a creature that walks upright on two feet (bipedal). Hominids are a family of primates that includes modern humans and their extinct ancestors. This term distinguishes humans and their close relatives from other animals that walk on all fours.

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  • 9. 

    Which of the following lists places early humans in correct chronological order (from the oldest to the most recent).

    • A.

      Ardipithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthal, Homo sapiens

    • B.

      Australopithecus, Homo erectus, Neanderthal, Homo Heidelbergensis, Homo habilis

    • C.

      Homo erectus, Homo habilis, Homo sapiens, Neanderthal, Ardipithecus

    • D.

      None of these are correct

    Correct Answer
    A. Ardipithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthal, Homo sapiens
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Ardipithecus, Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthal, Homo sapiens. This is the correct chronological order because Ardipithecus is considered to be one of the earliest known hominins, followed by Homo habilis, Homo erectus, Neanderthal, and finally Homo sapiens, which represents modern humans. This order reflects the progression of human evolution over time, with each species representing a distinct stage in our evolutionary history.

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  • 10. 

    Which of the following lists places early technological advancements and/or cultural developments in correct chronological order (from the oldest to the most recent).

    • A.

      Written language, control of fire, stone tools, farming

    • B.

      Control of fire, stone tools, written language, spoken language

    • C.

      Stone tools, control of fire, spoken language, farming, written language

    • D.

      Stone tools, spoken language, control of fire, written language, farming

    • E.

      None of these are correct.

    Correct Answer
    C. Stone tools, control of fire, spoken language, farming, written language
    Explanation
    Stone tools were one of the earliest technological advancements, followed by the control of fire. Spoken language then emerged as a cultural development. Farming came next, as humans transitioned from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to an agricultural one. Finally, written language developed as a means of communication and record-keeping.

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  • 11. 

    The development of early technology was a slow process that took millions of years.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that the development of early technology was a slow process that spanned millions of years. This aligns with the understanding that early humans gradually developed tools and techniques over a long period of time, starting from the earliest stone tools around 2.6 million years ago. The progression from simple tools to more complex ones, such as the invention of fire, agriculture, and eventually the wheel, took a significant amount of time. Therefore, it is reasonable to conclude that the development of early technology indeed took millions of years.

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  • 12. 

    Australopithecines may have been the earliest people to believe in some sort of afterlife as they were the first to bury their dead.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that Australopithecines were the earliest people to believe in an afterlife because they buried their dead. However, this is not necessarily true. While the act of burying the dead could be interpreted as a belief in an afterlife, it is also possible that Australopithecines buried their dead for practical reasons such as hygiene or to prevent scavengers. Therefore, it cannot be concluded that Australopithecines believed in an afterlife solely based on their burial practices.

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  • 13. 

    It was the development of spoken language that first allowed early humans to migrate out of Africa.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because the development of spoken language did not directly enable early humans to migrate out of Africa. Instead, it was believed that factors such as changes in climate, availability of resources, and technological advancements played a more significant role in facilitating human migration. While spoken language may have aided communication and social cohesion within migrating groups, it was not the primary cause for their movement out of Africa.

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  • 14. 

    Many of our theories of Paleolithic social structure are based on modern-day "stone age" communities.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that our understanding of Paleolithic social structure is derived from studying modern-day "stone age" communities. This implies that these modern communities can provide valuable insights into the social organization and dynamics of ancient Paleolithic societies. Therefore, the answer is true.

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  • 15. 

    Neanderthals built stone shelters for their herds of sheep.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    There is no evidence to suggest that Neanderthals built stone shelters for their herds of sheep. Neanderthals were hunter-gatherers and primarily lived in caves or temporary shelters made of animal bones and hides. The concept of domesticating and herding animals like sheep was not practiced by Neanderthals. Therefore, the statement is false.

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  • 16. 

    Which of the following was a consequence of the Neolithic Revolution?   

    • A.

      Humans became food producers instead of food gatherers

    • B.

      All cultures developed massive complex civilizations

    • C.

      Small farming villages arose as people needed to stay by their crops

    • D.

      Increased food production through farming led to food surpluses, which led to trade possibilities and specialized labor

    • E.

      Hunting and gathering ceased to be practiced.

    • F.

      People began building permanent shelters for themselves and their animals.

    • G.

      The Neolithic Revolution brought about the rise of great civilizations.

    • H.

      The distinction between the "Haves" and the "Have Nots" seen during the Paleolithic disappeared, and communities became more equal.

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Humans became food producers instead of food gatherers
    C. Small farming villages arose as people needed to stay by their crops
    D. Increased food production through farming led to food surpluses, which led to trade possibilities and specialized labor
    F. People began building permanent shelters for themselves and their animals.
    G. The Neolithic Revolution brought about the rise of great civilizations.
    Explanation
    The Neolithic Revolution brought about significant changes in human societies. One consequence was that humans transitioned from being food gatherers to food producers. This shift occurred as people began to domesticate plants and animals, leading to the development of agriculture. As a result, small farming villages arose, as people needed to stay near their crops. This change also led to increased food production, which created food surpluses. These surpluses, in turn, opened up possibilities for trade and the emergence of specialized labor. Additionally, the Neolithic Revolution brought about the construction of permanent shelters for humans and their animals. These changes ultimately led to the rise of great civilizations.

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  • 17. 

    The species to which all modern humans belong.

    • A.

      Homo ergaster

    • B.

      Homo sapiens

    • C.

      Homo erectus

    • D.

      Homo habilis

    • E.

      None of these are correct.

    Correct Answer
    B. Homo sapiens
    Explanation
    Homo sapiens is the correct answer because it refers to the species to which all modern humans belong. Homo ergaster, Homo erectus, and Homo habilis are all different species of early humans, but Homo sapiens is the species that includes modern humans. Therefore, Homo sapiens is the correct choice.

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  • 18. 

    The first people to learn how to control fire.

    • A.

      Neanderthals

    • B.

      Homo sapiens

    • C.

      Homo erectus

    • D.

      Homo habilis

    • E.

      None of these are correct.

    Correct Answer
    C. Homo erectus
    Explanation
    Homo erectus is considered to be the first human species to have learned how to control fire. Evidence of controlled use of fire by Homo erectus has been found in archaeological sites, such as burnt bones and charred plant remains. This ability to control fire would have provided Homo erectus with warmth, protection from predators, and the ability to cook food, which would have had significant impacts on their survival and evolution. Neanderthals, Homo sapiens, and Homo habilis also had some knowledge of fire, but Homo erectus is believed to be the earliest species to have mastered its control.

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  • 19. 

    The first people to make stone tools.

    • A.

      Neanderthals

    • B.

      Homo sapiens

    • C.

      Homo erectus

    • D.

      Homo habilis

    • E.

      None of these are correct.

    Correct Answer
    D. Homo habilis
    Explanation
    Homo habilis is considered the first species to make stone tools. They lived around 2.4 to 1.4 million years ago and were the earliest known members of the Homo genus. Their ability to create and use tools marked a significant advancement in human evolution and is believed to have contributed to their survival and success. Neanderthals, Homo sapiens, and Homo erectus appeared later in human evolution and also made stone tools, but Homo habilis was the first to do so.

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  • 20. 

    Where do all humans come from?

    Correct Answer
    Africa
    Explanation
    All humans come from Africa. This is supported by scientific evidence and research in the field of genetics and anthropology. The earliest human ancestors, known as Homo sapiens, originated in Africa around 200,000 years ago. From there, they migrated to different parts of the world, eventually populating the entire globe. DNA studies have also shown that all modern humans share a common African ancestry. Therefore, Africa is the birthplace of humanity.

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  • 21. 

    What is the one characteristic that really sets us apart from other animals?

    • A.

      The ability to make tools

    • B.

      The ability to communicate

    • C.

      The ability to make shelters

    • D.

      The ability to imagine and create

    • E.

      Both A and B

    Correct Answer
    D. The ability to imagine and create
    Explanation
    The ability to imagine and create is the characteristic that sets us apart from other animals. While some animals may exhibit certain levels of tool-making, communication, and shelter-building abilities, the human capacity for imagination and creation is unparalleled. It is through our ability to imagine and create that we have been able to make advancements in technology, art, literature, and various other fields. This unique ability allows us to envision and bring into existence things that do not yet exist, making it a defining characteristic of our species.

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  • 22. 

    Which of the following was a benefit of learning to control fire?

    • A.

      Kept us warm in cold weather

    • B.

      Inspired Neanderthals to invent marshmallows

    • C.

      Provided night vision

    • D.

      Allowed us to cook our food

    • E.

      Provided protection from predators

    • F.

      May have contributed to the development of human imagination

    • G.

      Allowed Homo habilis to make the first metal tools

    • H.

      Prohibited us from living in the wetter, northern climates

    Correct Answer(s)
    A. Kept us warm in cold weather
    C. Provided night vision
    D. Allowed us to cook our food
    E. Provided protection from predators
    F. May have contributed to the development of human imagination
    Explanation
    Learning to control fire provided several benefits. Firstly, it kept us warm in cold weather, allowing early humans to survive in harsh environments. Additionally, it provided night vision by creating light, enabling humans to navigate and hunt during the dark. Fire also allowed us to cook our food, making it more digestible and reducing the risk of foodborne illnesses. Furthermore, fire provided protection from predators, as its light and heat deterred them. Lastly, fire may have contributed to the development of human imagination, as it provided a source of light and warmth, fostering social interactions and storytelling.

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  • 23. 

    Which of the following is NOT a characteristic of the Paleolithic Era?

    • A.

      People were nomads

    • B.

      Hunting and gathering were the only means to acquire food

    • C.

      The Paleolithic Era lasted millions of years

    • D.

      People built simple mud-brick houses close to their fields of wheat

    • E.

      Paleolithic technology consisted of simple stone tools

    Correct Answer
    D. People built simple mud-brick houses close to their fields of wheat
    Explanation
    During the Paleolithic Era, people were nomads, relying on hunting and gathering as their primary means of acquiring food. The era lasted for millions of years and the technology used consisted of simple stone tools. However, people did not build simple mud-brick houses close to their fields of wheat during this time. This answer is not a characteristic of the Paleolithic Era as it suggests a settled agricultural lifestyle, which emerged later in the Neolithic Era.

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  • 24. 

    Our earliest known bipedal ancestor is Australopithecus (the famous "Lucy" skeleton).

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because Australopithecus is not our earliest known bipedal ancestor. While Australopithecus is an important ancestor in our evolutionary history, it is not the earliest. The earliest known bipedal ancestor is Ardipithecus, which lived around 4.4 million years ago. Lucy, the famous Australopithecus skeleton, lived around 3.2 million years ago. Therefore, the correct answer is false.

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  • 25. 

    All of our evidence for Neanderthals comes from Southwest Asia and Europe.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement is true because all the evidence we have gathered so far about Neanderthals is primarily from Southwest Asia and Europe. This evidence includes fossils, tools, and other archaeological findings. While there have been some discoveries in other regions, the majority of the evidence supports the presence of Neanderthals in Southwest Asia and Europe.

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  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
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