Name _________________________________________ Core __________________ Date ________________________
Unit 2 Rise of Humans Study Guide
Key Points:
1. Early archaeologists often collected only the most valuable artifacts. They did not always keep good records or
take good care of the site.
2. Today, archaeologists follow strict rules to preserve both artifacts and sites.
3. Archaeologists study the technology and culture of ancient civilizations.
4. Each subsequent hominin increased in height and brain size.
5. Over time, hominins began walking on two feet instead of climbing.
6. Exploring hominins helps us understand more about modern humans. The discovery of Homo erectus solidified
the theory that Africa is the birthplace of humanity.
7. Hominins had to cope with intense weather shifts that lasted for years. These conditions affected where they lived.
8. Larger brain size in later hominins allowed them to process information and adapt to the changing environments.
9. Later hominins learned to make tools, find shelter, and control fire. These developments helped them to survive
harsh environments and move to new locations.
Identify and explain the significance of the following terms:

Archaeologists- _________________________________________________________________________

Artifact- _______________________________________________________________________________

Dig Site- _______________________________________________________________________________

Fossil- ________________________________________________________________________________

Culture- _______________________________________________________________________________

Hominin-______________________________________________________________________________
Reading Guide:
1. How has the study of ancient humans changed over time? ________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
2. How do archaeologists examine a site? _______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
3. Where did hominins settle? ________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
4. Archaeologists’ discoveries have changed what people know about prehistoric societies. Describe one
specific artifact that archaeologists have discovered, and explain what that discovery has taught people
about the society from which the artifact came. Be sure to provide details and examples in your answer and
describe how archaeologists drew their conclusions from the artifact. _______________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________________________________________
Name _____________________________________________ Core _________________ Date ____________________
Vocabulary Organizer
Key Term
Illustrate
Define
Use in a sentence
Key Term
Illustrate
Define
Use in a sentence
Key Term
Illustrate
Define
Use in a sentence