Chapter 1: Human Beginnings "Hominid Diffusion" Introduction      In this chapter you have read about early hominids. You have also learned something about the techniques various scientists use to expand their knowledge. Although they may never know the whole story of prehistory, scientists study each clue and discuss it in connection with earlier discoveries. Though scientists uncover ancient clues, the interpretations they put on them are exciting enough to make news in the modern world. Destination Title: Anthropology News Briefs Web site Note: Clicking on the link above will launch a new browser window. Need help using your browser for this activity? Click here for tips. Directions Start at the Anthropology News Briefs Web site. Scroll down the Web page to find the section entitled Hominid diffusion from Africa. Read and analyze the information about early hominids, then answer the following questions. [NOTE: "B.P." in dates such as 1,000,000 B.P. stands for "Before the Present," and indicates that the item is dated back from the present time, instead of back from the birth of Christ, or B.C.] Analyze the chart, then answer the following questions. 1. Why did the archaeologists who discovered the hand axes in Israel decide that there was cultural diffusion from Africa? 2. What was "flake" technology and why was it a major technological advance over "shaped" stones? 3. What clue suggested to scientists that there were multiple hominid diffusions from Africa? 4. Find East Africa and Israel on a map. Suggest ways that Homo erectus might have migrated from Africa to Israel.