ANTH Archaeological Anthropology

Question 1

What term describes the systematic study of past human cultures through material remains such as artifacts, structures, and ecofacts?

Accepted Answer

Archaeology

Answer

Archaeology is the branch of anthropology that studies past human cultures through their material remains.

Question 2

In archaeological excavation, what is the term for the layer of soil or sediment that represents a distinct period of human activity?

Accepted Answer

Stratum

Answer

A stratum (plural: strata) is a distinct layer of soil or sediment that archaeologists use to establish chronological sequences.

Question 3

Which dating method uses the decay of radioactive carbon-14 to estimate the age of organic materials up to about 50,000 years old?

Accepted Answer

Radiocarbon dating

Answer

Radiocarbon (carbon-14) dating measures the decay of C-14 in organic materials to estimate their age.

Question 4

What is the name for an archaeological site where ancient humans butchered animals and discarded bones and tools?

Accepted Answer

Kill site

Answer

A kill site is an archaeological location where animals were hunted, butchered, and processed for food and raw materials.

Question 5

Which principle states that in undisturbed deposits, older layers are found below newer ones?

Accepted Answer

Law of superposition

Answer

The law of superposition holds that in any undisturbed sequence of strata, older layers lie beneath younger ones.

ANTH (Anthropology) Practice Test