Chapter 5
Field Methods in Archaeology and Paleoanthropology
Learning Objectives
After studying this material, students should be able to:
1.
Describe the manner in which physical and cultural remains of past humans are investigated.
2.
Explain the reasons why archaeologists and paleoanthropologists investigate physical and cultural
remains.
3.
Identify the parties involved in the successful excavation of a site.
4.
Define and describe the characteristics of an archaeological site.
5.
Provide examples of ways that sites can be revealed.
6.
Describe the frequency of locating skeletal remains associated with their cultural remains.
7.
Distinguish fossils from artifacts and describe how they are formed.
8.
Identify the means by which remains can be dated.
9.
Explain the process of dating remains based on their stratigraphic location.
10.
Describe the processes involved in dating remains based on measuring the chemicals contained
within them.
11.
Describe the impact of new dating techniques on the interpretation of physical and cultural
remains.
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