Human geographyLesson 1 of 1 in the course The Global Impact of Human Migration

Early Hominin Migrations and the First Peopling of the Americas

5 flashcards · 5 quiz questions · 5 match pairs · 5 fill-in sentences · English

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Summary

Human migration began long before modern humans existed. Early hominins moved across landscapes in response to food, changing environments, and opportunities to explore new territories. This lesson traces the early patterns of movement in Africa and the possible expansion of hominins into Eurasia.

Early human species were migratory from the beginning. Small groups of gatherers and hunters moved through eastern and southern Africa, following animal herds and the seasonal availability of plants. These groups were nomadic: they moved rather than relying on one permanent settlement.

All flashcards

What does BP mean in archaeological dates?
BP means “before present” and expresses how long ago an event or archaeological evidence dates.
Why is Homo erectus significant in early migration history?
Its emergence around 1.89 million years BP is associated with expanding hominin territories.
What was Beringia?
A land connection between northeastern Siberia and Alaska exposed when sea levels fell.
What distinguishes pre-Clovis evidence from the traditional Clovis-first account?
It indicates that people inhabited the Americas before the Clovis culture.
What can migration spread besides people?
Genes, cultural practices, and technological knowledge, including toolmaking traditions.

Quiz questions

  1. Why did early hominin groups move through eastern and southern Africa?Answer: They followed animal herds and seasonal plant resources to meet subsistence needs.
  2. What does evidence of gene flow between hominin populations suggest?Answer: Individuals from different populations met and reproduced.
  3. What does the coastal route theory propose about migration into the Americas?Answer: People traveled by boat along shorelines, using marine resources.
  4. Which species does current evidence identify as the earliest humans to reach the Americas?Answer: Homo sapiens.
  5. What is one type of archaeological evidence for pre-Clovis occupation?Answer: Artifacts found below Clovis-period occupation layers at some sites.

Based on Introduction to Anthropology by Jennifer Hasty, David G. Lewis, Marjorie M. Snipes (OpenStax), licensed CC BY 4.0. Adapted into a summary, flashcards and quizzes.

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