Summary
The comprehension text discusses the discovery of a 12,500-year-old Native American site in Connecticut, revealing artefacts that provide insights into early human technology and lifestyle. The artefacts suggest the use of spear-throwers by the Clovis people, enhancing their hunting capabilities and aiding their spread across North America.
- Artefact — an object made by a human being, typically of cultural or historical interest.
Example: Stone tools found at the Connecticut site. - Spear-thrower — a tool that uses leverage to achieve greater velocity in dart-throwing.
Example: Atlatl used by Clovis people to hunt large prey. - Clovis people — one of the earliest prehistoric human groups in North America.
Example: Known for their distinctive stone tools and hunting techniques.
Exam Tips
Key Definitions to Remember
- Artefact: an object made by humans, often of historical interest.
- Spear-thrower: a tool that increases the speed and distance a spear can be thrown.
- Clovis people: early inhabitants of North America known for their stone tools.
Common Confusions
- Confusing artefacts with fossils, which are remains of living organisms.
- Misunderstanding the role of spear-throwers as merely decorative rather than functional.
Typical Exam Questions
- What is an artefact?
An object made by humans, often of historical interest. - How did the Clovis people hunt large prey?
They used spear-throwers to increase the speed and distance of their spears. - What is the significance of the Connecticut site discovery?
It provides insights into early human technology and lifestyle.
What Examiners Usually Test
- Understanding of key terms and their definitions.
- Ability to explain the significance of archaeological findings.
- Interpretation of how ancient technologies influenced human migration and survival.