Assessment Questions 2.2

1. What processes lead to the formation of archaeological sites, and what is taphonomy in the context of archaeology and paleoanthropology?

Sites form through site formation processes, involving the loss, discard, abandonment, or hiding of items. Taphonomy is the study of how materials become part of the paleoanthropological or archaeological record.

2. What is primary refuse, and how does it differ from secondary refuse in the context of archaeological sites?

Primary refuse refers to artifacts and ecofacts left at the place they were used or produced, forming activity areas. Secondary refuse includes items removed by people to designated refuse areas, representing collective disposal of trash.

3. What does the imperfection and incompleteness of the archaeological record imply about our understanding of past human life?

The archaeological record is an imperfect and incomplete record of human activities, as it primarily captures material objects. It may not reflect non-material aspects of life, similar to the limitations of written history. Despite its challenges, it remains our primary source for understanding human history over vast time periods.