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Sure! Here's a brief explanation of prehistory tailored to the SBQ (Source-Based Questions) format, like those used in social studies or history exams. If you're referring to a specific textbook titled "SBQ Book: Prehistory", let me know and I can tailor it more closely.
Prehistory Explained (SBQ Format)
What is Prehistory?
Prehistory refers to the period before written records were created. Historians divide human history into prehistory and history based on the availability of written documents.
Main Characteristics of Prehistory
| Period | Description | Tools/Technology | Lifestyle |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paleolithic (Old Stone Age) | Earliest period of human history | Simple stone tools, fire | Hunter-gatherers, nomadic |
| Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age) | Transitional period | Improved tools, fishing, boats | Semi-nomadic, early settlements |
| Neolithic (New Stone Age) | Later stage before metal tools | Polished tools, farming, pottery | Permanent homes, agriculture |
Sources of Information in Prehistory (SBQ Focus)
Since there is no writing, historians rely on:
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Archaeological evidence (e.g., stone tools, bones, pottery)
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Fossils and skeletons (e.g., Lucy, Homo habilis)
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Cave paintings (e.g., Lascaux in France)
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Carbon dating to estimate age of objects
Sample SBQ Question (Prehistory)
Source A: Shows a picture of cave paintings from Lascaux.
Question: What can you infer about prehistoric humans from this source?
Sample Answer:
From Source A, we can infer that prehistoric humans had developed forms of communication through art. The cave paintings suggest they valued hunting and may have had religious or ritualistic beliefs. This source is useful because it provides insight into their way of life even without written records.
Key Terms for SBQ Answers
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Inference – a conclusion based on evidence
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Reliability – how trustworthy a source is
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Usefulness – how helpful a source is to understand the past
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Limitations – what the source cannot tell us
Let me know if you need:
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More SBQ practice questions
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Notes on prehistoric humans (e.g. Homo sapiens, Homo erectus)
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A summary of a specific textbook or chapter
Would you like me to turn this into a study guide or worksheet?