Question 1

Biochemical analyses of carbon isotope ratios can tell researchers what types of plants people consumed.

Accepted Answer

Biochemical analyses of carbon isotope ratios can provide information on the types of plants people consumed. The ratios differ between different types of plants and can be used to identify what was in a person's diet.

Question 2

Why might infant skeletons have high ¹⁵N levels compared to the skeletons of older children?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Why might infant skeletons have high ¹⁵N...

Question 3

Temporal and spatial differences in most disease patterns are largely the result of cultural differences in behaviour.

Accepted Answer

Cultural differences in behaviour can impact disease patterns by affecting factors such as hygiene practices, diet, and healthcare utilization, leading to differences in both the timing and location of disease outbreaks.

Question 4

Animals associated with human populations may reflect the kinds of foods consumed.

Accepted Answer

Animals that humans associate with tend to reflect the kinds of foods that they consume, such as cows for milk and beef, chickens for eggs and meat, and sheep for wool and meat.

Question 5

Ethnographic analogy is the notion that the demography of recent or contemporary hunter-gatherer and forager populations, can always be used as a realistic model for prehistoric populations.

Accepted Answer

Ethnographic analogy can provide a useful comparison, but it cannot be blindly applied as a model for all prehistoric populations without considering other factors such as environmental conditions and cultural differences.

Question 6

Age estimation for an adult is much easier and more accurate than age estimation for a child.

Accepted Answer

Age estimation for a child can be more difficult due to factors such as variations in growth and development, as well as potential differences in genetics and environmental factors. Accuracy in estimating a child's age may also depend on the age range being considered, as younger children may show greater variation in physical and cognitive development than older children.

Question 7

The goal of experimental archaeology is to reproduce or replicate technological traits and patterns observed in the archaeological record.

Accepted Answer

The statement accurately describes the goal of experimental archaeology.

Question 8

Phytoliths may be collected from artifacts, teeth, and feces.

Accepted Answer

Phytoliths can be collected from a variety of sources including artifacts, teeth, and feces of ancient humans and animals. These microscopic plant particles persist in the archaeological record and can provide valuable information about ancient diets, environments, and agricultural practices.

Question 9

The basic assumption of palaeopathology is that the more often you see evidence for a specific disease in the archaeological record, the greater the risk of illness or death from that disease for individuals in the living population who were exposed to it.Is this a valid assumption? Why or why not?

Accepted Answer

The answer of The basic assumption of palaeopathology is that...

Question 10

Reconstructing aspects of social systems from the archaeological record is possible by understanding the social context in which material culture accumulates.

Accepted Answer

Through analysis of material culture and its context, archaeologists can infer aspects of social organization such as social stratification, economic systems, and political structures.

Question 11

One area of focus in ancient DNA research has been the analysis of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) to trace maternal biological lineages.

Accepted Answer

Ancient DNA research has indeed focused on analyzing mtDNA to trace maternal lineages. This is because mtDNA is passed down only from the mother to her offspring, allowing researchers to trace the maternal lineage through generations. Additionally, mtDNA has a high mutation rate, making it useful for studying the evolution and migration of populations over time.

Question 12

Skeletal evidence of health in the past is limited to the effects of infectious diseases.

Accepted Answer

Skeletal evidence in the past can also reveal information on nutrition, physical activity, and injuries.

Quiz 3: Reconstructing the Past: Analysis and Interpretation