ancestor: A predecessor. It could be a family forebear, such as a parent, grandparent or great-great-great grandparent. Or it could be a species, genus, family or other order of organisms from which some later one evolved. For instance, ancient dinosaurs are the ancestors of today’s birds. (antonym: descendant)
archaeology: (also archeology) The study of human history and prehistory through the excavation of sites and the analysis of artifacts and other physical remains. Those remains can range from housing materials and cooking vessels to clothing and footprints. People who work in this field are known as archaeologists.
excavation: A site where someone has systematically removed earth or rock to uncover buried materials of value, such as bones or artifacts.
forensics: The use of science and technology to investigate and solve crimes.
Homo: A genus of species that includes modern humans (Homo sapiens). All had large brains and used tools. This genus is believed to have first evolved in Africa and over time evolved and radiated throughout the rest of the world.
Homo erectus: An extinct species of hominid that lived in Africa and Eurasia between about 1.9 million and 70,000 years ago.
ignition: (in chemistry) The act of igniting a fuel in combustion, such as natural gas or gasoline.
luminescence: The glow produced by a chemical process at relatively low temperatures. Some animals are able to luminesce, based on chemical reactions inside their bodies.
remnant: Something that is leftover — from another piece of something, from another time or even some features from an earlier species.
rodent: A mammal of the order Rodentia, a group that includes mice, rats, squirrels, guinea pigs, hamsters and porcupines.
sediment: Material (such as stones and sand) deposited by water, wind or glaciers.
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