In anthropology and archaeology, a cleaver is a distinctive type of prehistoric stone tool, closely associated with the Acheulean industry of the Lower Paleolithic. It represents a technological advance beyond the simpler Oldowan choppers. 🌍 Definition Cleaver: A large bifacial stone tool with a broad, straight cutting edge formed by removing flakes from both sides…

Classification in anthropology, biology, and the sciences refers to the systematic arrangement of entities into categories based on shared characteristics. It’s a foundational method for organizing knowledge, whether we’re talking about human societies, fossils, minerals, or cultural artifacts. 🌍 Definition Classification: The process of grouping things into categories according to similarities, differences, or relationships. Purpose:…

The phrase “classic example” is used across disciplines to highlight a paradigmatic case—something that perfectly illustrates a concept, principle, or phenomenon. In anthropology and related fields, it often points to a textbook case that embodies the defining traits of a category. 🌍 General Meaning Classic Example: A model case that is widely recognized as representative…

In anthropology and sociology, class refers to a system of social stratification based on economic position, access to resources, and social power. It’s one of the key frameworks for analyzing inequality and social organization. 🌍 Definition Class: A group of people who share similar economic status, occupation, and access to wealth, power, and prestige. Basis:…

In anthropology, a clan is a fundamental kinship unit, often central to social organization in tribal and chiefdom-level societies. It represents a group of people who claim descent from a common ancestor—real or mythical—and who share obligations, identity, and social roles. 🌍 Definition Clan: A social group united by kinship, typically tracing descent from a…

A cladogram is a diagram used in evolutionary biology and anthropology to visually represent relationships among organisms based on shared ancestry. It’s one of the most important tools for showing how species are grouped into clades. 🌍 Definition Cladogram: A branching diagram that illustrates hypothesized evolutionary relationships among organisms. Purpose: Shows how species diverged from…

Cladistics is a method in evolutionary biology and anthropology for classifying organisms based on shared ancestry rather than superficial similarities. It’s the analytical framework that produces cladograms—branching diagrams showing evolutionary relationships. 🌍 Definition Cladistics: A system of classification that groups organisms into clades (ancestor + all descendants). Origin: Developed in the mid-20th century by German…

A clade is a fundamental concept in evolutionary biology and anthropology, describing a group of organisms that includes a common ancestor and all of its descendants. It’s the building block of phylogenetic classification, which organizes life based on evolutionary relationships rather than superficial similarities. 🌍 Definition Clade: A monophyletic group consisting of an ancestor and…

Civilization is one of anthropology’s most expansive concepts, referring to complex societies characterized by urbanization, social stratification, centralized authority, and cultural development. It marks a stage of human organization beyond bands, tribes, and chiefdoms. 🌍 Definition Civilization: A large-scale, complex society distinguished by cities, writing, monumental architecture, centralized governance, and specialized labor. Core Features: Urban…

Chronometric dating (also called absolute dating) is a set of scientific methods used in archaeology, geology, and anthropology to assign calendar ages to artifacts, fossils, or geological events. Unlike relative dating (which only establishes sequence), chronometric techniques provide actual numerical ages, often with ranges of error. 🌍 Definition Chronometric Dating: Methods that yield a specific…

Chronology is the science and method of arranging events in their order of occurrence. In anthropology, history, and archaeology, it is fundamental for reconstructing human pasts, cultural sequences, and material contexts. 🌍 Definition Chronology: The study of time and the ordering of events. Purpose: Establishes sequences, relationships, and durations of historical or cultural phenomena. Contrast:…

Chronological age is a straightforward but important concept in anthropology, biology, and medicine. It refers to the actual amount of time a person has lived since birth, measured in years, months, and days. Unlike biological or developmental age, it is purely a calendar-based measure. 🌍 Definition Chronological Age: The time elapsed since an individual’s birth,…