Human evolution

Human evolution

Otherwise known as anthropogeny; anything of or relating to the study of the origin and evolution of Homo sapiens as a distinct species from other hominids, great apes and placental mammals.

Industry: Archaeology

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Human evolution

A method of generating settlement hierarchy, that overcomes the limitations of both central place theory and Thiessen polygons; it assigns territories to centres based on their scale, assuming that ...

Maxam-Gilbert sequencing

Archaeology; Human evolution

A method of rapid sequencing of DNA molecules developed by Allan Maxam and Walter Gilbert. The technique uses specific chemical reactions to break DNA at specific nucleotides. The DNA is first ...

X-ray fluourescence spectrometry (XRF)

Archaeology; Human evolution

A method used in the analysis of artefact composition, in which the sample is irradiated with a beam of X-rays which excite electrons associated with atoms on the surface.

Dravidian terminology

Archaeology; Human evolution

A mode of kinship reckoning whereby parallel and cross relatives are systematically distinguished; characteristically, but apparently not always, associated with a rule of symetrical alliance.

RNA polymerase I

Archaeology; Human evolution

An enzyme in eukaryotes located in the nucleolus that catalyses the transcription of the 18S, 5.8S, and 28S rRNA genes.

DNA ligase (polynucleotide ligase)

Archaeology; Human evolution

An enzyme that catalyses the formation of a covalent bond between free single-stranded ends of DNA molecules during DNA replication and DNA repair.

Platymeric Index

Archaeology; Human evolution

A measure of shape at the upper part of the shaft of the femur; determined by dividing the anterior-posterior length just below the lesser trochanter by the transverse breadth.