Question 1

In archaeology, plant remains from archaeological sites are known as faunal remains.

Accepted Answer

Plant remains from archaeological sites are known as floral remains, not faunal. Faunal remains refer to animal remains.

Question 2

Low power (40X to 60X) microscopic analysis is much more useful in determining stone tool microwear than high power microscopy (up to 400X).

Accepted Answer

High power microscopy (up to 400X) is more useful for determining stone tool microwear because it allows for the detailed observation of microscopic wear patterns on the tool's surface, which are crucial for understanding how the tool was used.

Question 3

Ethnographic analysis makes it clear that it is safe to assume that women in the past always made the pottery, and men always made the stone tools.

Accepted Answer

Ethnographic analysis shows that the division of labor by gender in traditional societies can vary significantly, and it is not accurate to universally assume that women always made pottery and men always made stone tools. Different cultures have different practices.

Question 4

The purpose of middle range theory is to create arguments that link human behavior to material remains so that archaeologists can make reliable behavioral inferences from archaeological material.

Accepted Answer

Middle range theory in archaeology serves as a framework to bridge the gap between the static material remains found at archaeological sites and the dynamic human behaviors or social processes that produced those remains. It helps archaeologists make more reliable inferences about past human activities, social structures, and cultural practices based on the evidence they uncover.

Question 5

One way to make relevant bridging arguments is to observe the workings of a culture in its systemic context.

Accepted Answer

Observing the workings of a culture in its systemic context allows for a deeper understanding of its values, norms, and practices, which is essential for making relevant and effective bridging arguments that connect different cultural perspectives or address cultural misunderstandings.

Question 6

Obsidian blades are much sharper than steel scalpels, leaving smaller cuts with clearer edges that heal more quickly and are less likely to scar than steel blades; because of this, obsidian blades have been used in many surgical procedures.

Accepted Answer

Obsidian blades can have an edge up to 5 nanometers thick, much sharper than the best steel scalpels. This allows for very precise cuts that can minimize tissue damage, leading to quicker healing and less scarring, making them useful in certain surgical applications.

Question 7

The goal of taphonomic studies is to infer the function of prehistoric objects and features based on the similarity of those objects and features to those used by related cultures today.

Accepted Answer

Taphonomic studies focus on understanding the processes that affect animal and plant remains as they become fossilized, including decomposition, preservation, and environmental effects, rather than inferring the function of prehistoric objects based on contemporary cultures.

Question 8

Experimental archaeology is necessary when archaeologists want to know the material effects of behaviors that no longer exist.

Accepted Answer

Experimental archaeology involves replicating ancient techniques and processes to understand how artifacts were made, used, and what effects these activities had on the material culture, providing insights into behaviors that are no longer practiced.

Question 9

Analogies must be used cautiously because there is no guarantee that the analogy will accurately describe the prehistoric culture.

Accepted Answer

Analogies, while useful for understanding prehistoric cultures, rely on assumptions and comparisons with known cultures, which may not accurately reflect the unique aspects of the prehistoric culture in question.

Question 10

Ethnoarchaeological research suggests that the longer a site was occupied in the past, the farther the distance between habitation structures and trash dumps.

Accepted Answer

Ethnoarchaeological studies have shown that as a site is occupied for a longer period, the accumulation of waste necessitates moving trash dumps farther from living areas to maintain hygiene and living space.

Question 11

Archaeologists have tried to replicate, through trial and error with flintknapping, the way in which Folsom points were fluted. This research is an example of experimental archaeology.

Accepted Answer

Experimental archaeology involves researchers attempting to replicate past human activities, tools, or processes to understand how they were done, which is exactly what is described with the flintknapping to recreate Folsom points.

Quiz 8: Taphonomy Experimental Archaeology And Ethnoarchaeology