Ethiopia is known throughout
the world for its antiquities, ranging from historic sites such
as Gondar and Lalibela, to much older, prehistoric sites such as
those found in the Afar and lower Omo regions. Most of the
past happened before written historical records were made, so most
of human existence was, in fact, prehistoric.
The study of the prehistoric human
past is called “paleoanthropology.” Anthropology
itself refers to the study of human beings. Paleoanthropology
is the study of human ancestors in the distant past. Since
we cannot travel back in time to observe these ancestors, scientists
must use other kinds of evidence to understand what happened.
Today, paleoanthropologists study
all aspects of the human past. They pay particular attention
to the biological and cultural dimensions of human ancestors. To
study these dimensions, paleoanthropologists rely on evidence in
the form of artifacts, fossilized bones of ancestors, and the contexts
in which these specimens are found. This is very difficult
work. In general, the older something is (in geological terms),
the greater the chance that the forces of nature have destroyed it. For
this reason, most evidence from the prehistoric past has disappeared. Paleoanthropologists
actively search for traces of the past that have not disappeared,
and they work to infer what happened by using these clues.
There are three basic sciences that
contribute the most data to paleoanthropology, archaeology, geology,
and paleontology. Archaeologists, geologists, and paleontologists
work closely together in paleoanthropological research, each contributing
vital information necessary to understand human origins and evolution.
Before the invention of metal tools,
human ancestors made and used stone tools. Archaeologists study
these artifacts, and their contexts, in efforts to understand how
human ancestors lived, behaved, and died in the past.
Geology is the study of the earth. Geologists
study the processes that produce sedimentary deposits and contribute
to studies of prehistoric environments. Geologists also assist
in identifying the places where the fossils and artifacts needed
for paleoanthropology might occur. After these antiquities
are found, geologists are responsible for dating them and interpreting
what the ancient landscapes were like.
Paleontology is the study of fossils. Fossils
are traces of past life, ranging from bones of tiny mammals and birds,
to footprints left by dinosaurs or even early humans in lithified
mud or volcanic ash. In this sense, paleontologists are biologists
of the past, trying to both catch a glimpse of ancient worlds understanding
how today's world was structured by its deep past.
The third science comprising modern
paleoanthropology is archaeology. Before the invention of metals,
most early human ancestors made and used stone tools. Archaeologists
study these artifacts, and their contexts, in their efforts to understand
how human ancestors lived and behaved and died in the distant past. Archaeologists,
geologists, and paleontologists work closely together in paleoanthropological
research, each contributing vital information necessary to understand
human origins and evolution.