Some 35,000 years ago, our ancestors learned that heating clay to high temperatures allowed it to harden substantially. Many years later, using this earlier knowledge, our ancestors invented pottery. Pottery is classified as a:

Question

Some 35,000 years ago, our ancestors learned that heating clay to high temperatures allowed it to harden substantially. Many years later, using this earlier knowledge, our ancestors invented pottery. Pottery is classified as a:​

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Pottery is considered a secondary innovation because it builds upon the earlier knowledge of heating clay to harden it, but involves a new process and application (creating vessels). A primary invention refers to the creation of something entirely new, while primary application and tertiary modification refer to using or modifying existing inventions.

Some 35,000 Years Ago, Our Ancestors Learned That Heating Clay