ARCHAEOLOGY 201 FINAL REVIEW
EXAM
Final Examination Questions & Answers with Verified Solutions
2026/2027
1. What fundamental relative dating principle states that in undeformed sedimentary
layers, older strata lie beneath younger strata?
A. Seriation
B. Superposition
C. Dendrochronology
D. Fluorine dating
Rationale: The law of superposition states that undisturbed lower geological or cultural layers were
deposited before the layers above them.
2. Which absolute dating method measures tree ring growth patterns to establish exact
calendar dates?
A. Dendrochronology
B. Radiocarbon dating
C. Potassium-argon dating
D. Thermoluminescence
Rationale: Dendrochronology matches annual growth rings in timber samples to continuous regional
master sequences, giving precise calendar year dates.
3. What term describes portable objects modified or manufactured by human activity?
A. Ecofacts
B. Features
C. Artifacts
D. Sites
Rationale: Artifacts are portable, human-made or modified objects such as stone tools, pottery sherds,
and metal implements.
, 4. How do non-portable human-made structures, like postholes or hearths, differ from
artifacts?
A. They are classified as biofacts
B. They are defined as features and cannot be moved without destroying their context
C. They are dated strictly using Obsidian Hydration
D. They represent natural geological formations
Rationale: Features are non-portable archaeological traces—like hearths, pits, or wall foundations—that
must be documented in place.
5. What organic isotope decay method is used to date biological materials up to roughly
50,000 years old?
A. Radiocarbon (C-14) dating
B. Potassium-argon (K-Ar) dating
C. Fission track dating
D. Paleomagnetic dating
Rationale: Radiocarbon dating measures the decay of Carbon-14 in organic remains like wood, charcoal,
bone, and seeds.
6. What constitutes an ecofact in an excavation context?
A. A carved stone statue
B. An iron spear point
C. Unmodified plant seeds and animal bones that yield environmental data
D. A ceramic storage jar
Rationale: Ecofacts are organic and environmental remains that provide insights into past human ecology
and diet without being intentionally carved or shaped.
7. What is taphonomy?
A. The classification of ceramic rim styles
B. The study of how organisms decay and become fossilized or preserved in the
archaeological record
C. The legal framework protecting heritage underwater
EXAM
Final Examination Questions & Answers with Verified Solutions
2026/2027
1. What fundamental relative dating principle states that in undeformed sedimentary
layers, older strata lie beneath younger strata?
A. Seriation
B. Superposition
C. Dendrochronology
D. Fluorine dating
Rationale: The law of superposition states that undisturbed lower geological or cultural layers were
deposited before the layers above them.
2. Which absolute dating method measures tree ring growth patterns to establish exact
calendar dates?
A. Dendrochronology
B. Radiocarbon dating
C. Potassium-argon dating
D. Thermoluminescence
Rationale: Dendrochronology matches annual growth rings in timber samples to continuous regional
master sequences, giving precise calendar year dates.
3. What term describes portable objects modified or manufactured by human activity?
A. Ecofacts
B. Features
C. Artifacts
D. Sites
Rationale: Artifacts are portable, human-made or modified objects such as stone tools, pottery sherds,
and metal implements.
, 4. How do non-portable human-made structures, like postholes or hearths, differ from
artifacts?
A. They are classified as biofacts
B. They are defined as features and cannot be moved without destroying their context
C. They are dated strictly using Obsidian Hydration
D. They represent natural geological formations
Rationale: Features are non-portable archaeological traces—like hearths, pits, or wall foundations—that
must be documented in place.
5. What organic isotope decay method is used to date biological materials up to roughly
50,000 years old?
A. Radiocarbon (C-14) dating
B. Potassium-argon (K-Ar) dating
C. Fission track dating
D. Paleomagnetic dating
Rationale: Radiocarbon dating measures the decay of Carbon-14 in organic remains like wood, charcoal,
bone, and seeds.
6. What constitutes an ecofact in an excavation context?
A. A carved stone statue
B. An iron spear point
C. Unmodified plant seeds and animal bones that yield environmental data
D. A ceramic storage jar
Rationale: Ecofacts are organic and environmental remains that provide insights into past human ecology
and diet without being intentionally carved or shaped.
7. What is taphonomy?
A. The classification of ceramic rim styles
B. The study of how organisms decay and become fossilized or preserved in the
archaeological record
C. The legal framework protecting heritage underwater
