Chapter Glossary Ch. 1
Glossary
agricultural revolution (ancient)
The change from food gathering to food production that occurred between ca. 8000 and 2000 B.C.E. Also
known as the Neolithic Revolution.
australopithecines
The several extinct species of humanlike primates that existed during the Pleistocene era (genus
Australopithecus).
bipedalism
The ability to walk upright on two legs, characteristic of hominids.
culture
Socially transmitted patterns of action and expression. Material culture refers to physical objects, such as
dwellings, clothing, tools, and crafts. Culture also includes arts, beliefs, knowledge, and technology.
evolution
The biological theory that, over time, changes occurring in plants and animals, mainly as a result of
natural selection and genetic mutation, result in new species.
foragers
People who support themselves by hunting wild animals and gathering wild edible plants and insects.
Great Ice Age
Geological era that occurred between ca. 2 million and 11,000 years ago. As a result of climate shifts,
large numbers of new species evolved during this period, also called the Pleistocene epoch. (See also
Holocene.)
history
The study of past events and changes in the development, transmission, and transformation of cultural
practices.
Holocene
The geological era since the end of the Great Ice Age about 11,000 years ago.
Holy Roman Empire
Loose federation of mostly German states and principalities, headed by an emperor elected by the
princes. It lasted from 962 to 1806.
hominid
The biological family that includes humans and humanlike primates.
Homo erectus
An extinct human species. It evolved in Africa about 2 million years ago.
Homo habilis
The first human species (now extinct). It evolved in Africa about 2.5 million years ago.
Homo sapiens
The current human species. It evolved in Africa about 200,000 years ago. It includes archaic forms such
as Neanderthals (now extinct) and all modern humans.
megaliths
Structures and complexes of very large stones constructed for ceremonial and religious purposes in
Neolithic times.
Neolithic
The period of the Stone Age associated with the ancient Agricultural Revolution(s). It follows the
Paleolithic period.
Paleolithic
The period of the Stone Age associated with the evolution of humans. It predates the Neolithic period.
Stone Age
The historical period characterized by the production of tools from stone and other nonmetallic
substances. It was followed in some places by the Bronze Age and more generally by the Iron Age.