Rise of Humans Pre-test

Imagine you are a historian studying the evolution of hominins. Why would you argue that their technical abilities played a more important role in Asia and Europe than in Africa? G.1

• Because Asia and Europe had less available water than Africa, forcing hominins to develop more advanced techniques to survive

• Because Asia and Europe had a more moderate climate than Africa, which may have necessitated the development of different survival strategies

• Because Asia and Europe were much warmer than Africa, requiring hominins to adapt in unique ways

• Because Asia and Africa had more natural resources than Africa, leading to different evolutionary pressures

Answer explanation

The correct answer suggests that the moderate climate of Asia and Europe compared to Africa might have led to the evolution of different survival strategies in hominins. This is due to the fact that different climates demand different adaptations and technical skills for survival.

Imagine a group of early humans migrating out of Africa. In what type of region would they most likely have settled first? G.1

• a region with fertile soil and abundant water, ideal for farming

• a region devoid of dangerous predators

• a region with a climate very similar to that of Africa

• a region inhabited by animals similar to those found in Africa

Answer explanation

Early humans, migrating out of Africa, would have likely settled in regions with climates similar to Africa first. This is due to their adaptation to such climates, making it easier for them to survive and thrive.

Imagine you are an early human in Africa. Which area would you likely avoid for setting up your habitat? G.1

• the dense jungle with dangerous animals

• the coastline with abundant seafood

• the rainforest with plenty of fruits

• the harsh desert with scarce water and food

Answer explanation

The question asks where an early human in Africa would likely avoid setting up their habitat. The answer is the harsh desert with scarce water and food. This environment would be inhospitable for early humans because of the lack of necessary resources such as water, food and shelter. The other options like dense jungle, coastline, or rainforest provide more resources and are therefore more suitable for human habitation.

Imagine you are an archaeologist. In which part of the world would you most likely find the most evidence about the existence of early hominins? G.1

• Asia

• Africa

• Europe

• Australia

Answer explanation

The most evidence of early hominins is found in Africa. This is because Africa is known as the 'Cradle of Humankind' as it's where the first hominins evolved. Many important fossil discoveries like 'Lucy' and 'Australopithecus' have been made here, showing evolution of early hominins. Therefore, as an archaeologist, Africa would be the most likely place to find such evidence.

Imagine you are an early human living in the Stone Age. Which factor would be most important for your survival?

• Living in an area where there are no other Hominins

• Living in an area where the temperature doesn't change much

• Having reliable sources of food and water

• Having access to materials for making tools

Answer explanation

In the Stone Age, the most vital factor for survival was having reliable sources of food and water. This is because consistent access to nourishment ensures health and energy for survival activities. While other factors like a stable climate or tool-making materials are important, they are secondary to basic human needs for sustenance.

Archaeologists examined different sites and found a smartphone in one site and a rotary dial phone in another site. Based on these images, what would you conclude about the two civilizations? G.2

• Civilization A is more technologically advanced than Civilization B.

• Civilization A was more warlike than civilization B

• Civilization A lived in settled societies while civilization B was nomadic

• Civilization A was less agriculturally advanced than civilization B

Answer explanation

The question involves comparing two civilizations based on the technology they used. A smartphone is a product of advanced technology compared to a rotary dial phone. Therefore, the civilization using a smartphone, Civilization A, is more technologically advanced than the one using a rotary dial phone, Civilization B.

Dr. Smith, an archaeologist, is planning an expedition to the ancient Mayan city of Tikal. What might he expect to find during his exploration? G.2

• Constitutional documents and legal codes

• Dinosaur fossils

• Mayan sculpture and pottery

• Ancient weapons and tools

Answer explanation

Dr. Smith is exploring the ancient Mayan city of Tikal. The Mayans were known for their intricate sculptures and pottery, so it is likely that he'll find such artifacts there. The other options, such as constitutional documents, legal codes, dinosaur fossils, or ancient weapons and tools are less likely, as they don't specifically relate to the Mayan civilization.

Consider a group of archaeologists studying an ancient civilization. They notice that this civilization had a unique way of applying their knowledge to create new systems. This practical application of knowledge by the civilization is referred to as what?

• agriculture

• technology

• culture

• Sociology

Answer explanation

The question is about the practical application of knowledge by an ancient civilization which is a defining characteristic of 'technology'. Technology refers to the use of knowledge to create systems, tools, or methods to solve a problem or serve some purpose. So, while agriculture, culture, and sociology are aspects of a civilization, they aren't the correct answer in this context.

Imagine you are an anthropologist studying the differences between Homo Erectus and Australopithecus. What is one key difference between these two species? H.1

• Homo Erectus preferred to settle in forests while Australopithecus was more adapted to savannahs

• Homo Erectus had the ability to use its hands for carrying objects, a skill that Australopithecus lacked

• Homo Erectus expanded their habitats beyond Africa, while Australopithecus remained confined to Africa

• Homo Erectus developed advanced technological skills, a contrast to the limited technological abilities of Australopithecus

Answer explanation

The key difference between Homo Erectus and Australopithecus lies in their technological skills. Homo Erectus had advanced technological abilities, which is a contrast to the limited abilities of Australopithecus. This difference is highlighted in the correct answer, which indicates Homo Erectus' development of advanced technological skills, unlike Australopithecus.

Imagine you are an archaeologist studying Homo Erectus. Which technological ability would you attribute to them? H.1

• They were capable of forging metal

• They had the ability to use fire

• They knew how to irrigate crops

• They were skilled in herding animals

Answer explanation

Homo Erectus, an early human ancestor, is known for their significant technological advancement - the use of fire. Unlike the other options, which involve much complex understanding, the ability to control and use fire emerged with Homo Erectus. This marked a major milestone in human evolution.