Early Human Vocabulary

Hominids members of a family of primates (monkeys and humans) which include humans and their fossil ancestors

Anthropologist A scientist who studies people, their societies, cultures, etc.

Biped An animal with two legs, such as a human

Migrate To move to another area or country, especially to find work or food

Land bridges Land that was once exposed during prehistoric times, but is covered with water during modern times.

Stone Age A very early time in human history, when only stone was used for making tools, weapons, etc. The Stone Age is divided into two halves.

Paleolithic Age The first half of the Stone Age, also known as Old Stone Age. During this time, people got their food by hunting and gathering.

Neolithic Age The second half of the Stone Age, also known as the New Stone Age. During this time, groups of people settled down and started to raise animals and crops for food.

Domesticate To make an animal able to live with people as a pet or to work for them, especially on a farm

Agriculture The practice or science of farming

Ore Rock or earth from which metal can be obtained

glacier A large mass of ice that moves slowly over an area of land

technology The use of tools, machines and methods to make things, save time, and/or improve people’s lives

hunter-gatherer A person who gets food by hunting wild animals and gathering wild plants, roots, nuts, and berries

Band A group of people, a small loosely, organized group of hunter-gatherers, consisting of 20-30 people

Surplus An amount of something that is more than what is needed or used

Environment All the living and nonliving things in a person’s surroundings