Question - 1 : -
Look at the diagram showing the positive feedback mechanism on page 13. (See NCERT Textbook). Can you list the inputs that went into tool making? What were the processes that were strengthened by tool-making?

Answer - 1 : -

After going through the positive feedback mechanism following points can be inferred:

(a) Inputs that helped in tool making:

Increased brain size and capacity of brain
Upright walking
Visual surveillance long distance
Walking while foraging and hunting.

(b) The processes that were strengthened by tool making:

Upright walking
Increase in size and capacity of brain
Visual surveillance, long distance walking while foraging and hunting.

Question - 2 : -
Humans and mammals such as monkeys and apes have certain similarities in behaviour and anatomy. This indicates that humans have possibly evolved from the . apes. List these resemblances in two columns under the headings of

(a) behaviour and
(b) anatomy.

Are there any differences that are noteworthy?

Answer - 2 : -

Similarities
(a) Behaviour:

Humans	Monkeys and Apes
1. Humans can climb on trees.	Monkeys and apes can also climb on trees.
2. Mothers give birth to their young ones.	Monkeys also give birth to their young ones.
3. They can walk long distances.	They can also walk long distances.

(b) Anatomy:

Humans	Monkeys and Apes
1. Humans are vertebrates.	1. They are also vertebrates.
2. Humans have two feet and two hands.	2. Monkeys and apes are also quadrupeds.

Question - 3 : -
Discuss the arguments advanced in favor of the regional continuity model of human origins. Do you think it provides a convincing explanation of the archaeological evidence? Give reasons for your answer.

Answer - 3 : -

According to the Regional Continuity Model, the Homo sapiens evolved in different regions at different rates into modern humans. So there was a variation in the first appearance of modern humans in different parts of the world. It was based on the regional differences in the features of present day humans. The advocates of this view found that the dissimilarities are due to the differences between the Homo erectus and Homo heidelbergensis populations of the same regions.

The Regional Continuity Model does not give a convincing explanation of the archaeological evidence.

Question - 4 : -
Which of the following do you think is best documented in the archaeological record: (a) gathering, (b) tool making and (c) use of fire?

Answer - 4 : -

Tool making is documented in the archaeological record.

Question - 5 : -
Discuss the extent to which: (a) hunting and (b) constructing shelters would have been facilitated by the use of language. What other modes of communication could have been used for these activities?

Answer - 5 : -

(a) Use of language helped hunting activities of human beings in numerous ways:

Now people are in a position of organizing and managing hunting expeditions
They are now free to exchange their ideas about different animals in different regions.
They could now discuss the nature and behavior of animals.
They could now discuss regarding the types of tools to be used.

(b) Language helped in constructing shelters for early humans in the following ways:

Now people could discuss regarding secure and safe places for the construction of shelters.
Now people could gather information about the materials used in the construction of shelter.
Information regarding resources in and around their surroundings can be easily obtained.
They were now in a position to discuss the means to protect their shelters in severe conditions.

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