“Is This Ancient Bone the World’s First Flute?” Vocabulary

brute Cave men were considered to be brute creatures.

brute (adj.) without the power to reason

controversy There was a controversy over whether or not the ancient bone was used as a flute.

controversy (noun) argument or disagreement

researchers Researchers carefully examined the bone to determine how it was used by the Neanderthals.

researchers (noun) people who search for information

complex The investigation process was very complex and took years to complete.

complex (adj.) complicated; made up of a number of parts

perceptions Often our perceptions of Neanderthals is that they were animal-like.

perceptions (noun) ways in which someone understands something

punctured The holes in the bone made it look as if it had been punctured.

punctured (verb) pierced with a pointed object