Lecture 23 Flashcards
Mental Eminence
The chin; a protrusion at the front of the lower jaw (mandible), replacing thicker internal bone structures for chewing support.
Canine Fossa
A depression above the canine tooth root on the maxilla (upper jaw), characteristic of modern humans.
Multiregional Model
The idea that modern humans evolved from multiple archaic Homo sapiens populations worldwide, connected by gene flow.
Single Source Model
The hypothesis that all modern humans descended from a single population in Africa that evolved from Homo heidelbergensis around 300,000 years ago.
Assimilation Model
The model proposing that modern humans originated in Africa but interbred with archaic populations (like Neanderthals) as they dispersed, supported by ancient DNA evidence.
African Multiregional Hypothesis (Metapopulation Hypothesis)
Suggests modern humans evolved across a network of African populations with ongoing gene flow, rather than in a single location.
Behavioral Modernity
Advanced behaviors including symbolic thought, complex tools, art, and long-distance trade, inferred from archaeological evidence.
Still Bay Points
Specific stone projectile points from the Middle Stone Age, associated with advanced hunting technologies.
Bow-and-Arrow Technology
Projectile weapons that involve launching arrows with bows; indicates advanced compound tool technology.
Spear-thrower (Atlatl)
A tool that uses leverage to throw spears farther and harder than by hand alone.
Microliths
Small, standardized stone flakes used as components of composite tools like arrows or spears.
Aurignacian Culture
The archaeological culture of early modern humans in Europe (~45,000 years ago), associated with blade tools and symbolic art, once considered a “Human Revolution.”
Long-distance Exchange
The transfer of resources (like stone for tools) across large areas, indicating greater mobility, social networking, and cooperation among early humans.
Hxaro Exchange System
A gift exchange system practiced by the !Kung San people, promoting social ties and risk-pooling, similar to early human strategies.
First Dispersals
The early movements of Homo sapiens out of Africa (~90,000–100,000 years ago), reaching the Middle East but leaving little genetic trace in modern populations.
Second Dispersals
A later, successful wave (~55,000 years ago) of Homo sapiens leaving Africa, leading to global colonization and genetic admixture with Neanderthals and Denisovans.
