Paleolithic Technology

Lecture Study Questions 1. Describe the technological inventions and social developments of Paleolithic period hominids have created foundations of human societies today. Explain why each was important to the survival of early hominids and the success of the human species down to today. Stone tools, fire, cooking, and forms of art were some of the technological intentions and social developments of the Paleolithic period hominids that have created foundations of human societies today. Hominids made stone tools by smashing two rocks together. The results from this were used as hand axes, cutting tools, and weapons. Fire is considered both a technological invention as well as a social development. Fire “made it possible to see in the dark, provided warmth, protection against animals, and encouraged social interaction.” (Smith 19) Fire also …show more content…
How do archaeologists choose a site where a homo erectus group might have lived? Archaeologists choose a site where a homo erectus group might have lived by first studying the area. They might find evidence of improved technology such as improved stone tools. Homo erectus used their improved technology to forcibly crack open bones, sharpened rocks more efficiently. Evidence of this can be found in sites were homo erectus groups have lived. Archaeologists might also discover homo erectus people buried with bones or deer skin. This suggests improved brain growth. (Leakey) 2. What methods did archaeologists and paleoanthropologists use to learn about life at the Paleolithic homo erectus site? How effective were these methods? Archaeologists and paleoanthropologists studied the Paleolithic homo erectus site by conducting experiments. Some experiments included forcibly cracking open bones and comparing the results to the bones found at the cite. They also smashed two rocks together making a tool to differentiate the product to the tools and rock shavings found.