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Para-Completion Questions
Q.18 There is a sentence that is missing in the paragraph below. Look at the paragraph and decide where (option 1, 2, 3, or 4) the following sentence would best fit.
Sentence: The discovery helps to explain archaeological similarities between the Paleolithic peoples of China, Japan, and the Americas.
Paragraph: The researchers also uncovered an unexpected genetic link between Native Americans and Japanese people. ___(1)___ During the deglaciation period, another group branched out from northern coastal China and travelled to Japan. ___(2)___ "We were surprised to find that this ancestral source also contributed to the Japanese gene pool, especially the indigenous Ainus," says Li. ___(3)___ They shared similarities in how they crafted stemmed projectile points for arrowheads and spears. ___(4)___ "This suggests that the Pleistocene connection among the Americas, China, and Japan was not confined to culture but also to genetics," says senior author Qing-Peng Kong, an evolutionary geneticist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
1. Option 1
2. Option 2
3. Option 3
4. Option 4
Solution with Explanation
Correct Answer: 3
Detailed explanation by Wordpandit: The sentence, “The discovery helps to explain archaeological similarities between the Paleolithic peoples of China, Japan, and the Americas,” provides an overview that connects genetic findings with observed archaeological similarities across regions. This sentence would ideally serve as a link between the mention of genetic connections and the shared cultural practices.Let’s examine each blank to find the best fit:
- Option 1: This blank follows the statement about a genetic link between Native Americans and Japanese people. However, placing the sentence here would disrupt the paragraph’s flow, as the archaeological similarities have not yet been introduced.
- Option 2: This blank follows a sentence about migration from northern coastal China to Japan. Placing the sentence here would similarly interrupt the narrative without sufficient context.
- Option 3: This blank is after Li’s quote about genetic connections to the Japanese gene pool, specifically the Ainus. Inserting the sentence here would serve as a logical bridge between the genetic discovery and the archaeological similarities in artifact crafting.
- Option 4: This blank comes after a description of shared crafting techniques for projectile points, which already aligns with the point about archaeological similarities. Placing the sentence here would be somewhat redundant, as the archaeological connection has already been established.
Based on these observations, Option 3 is the most appropriate placement, as it smoothly connects the genetic discovery to the broader archaeological context, linking these findings effectively. Therefore, Option 3 is the correct answer.
Word 1: Paleolithic
Context:
"The discovery helps to explain archeological similarities between the Paleolithic peoples of China, Japan, and the Americas." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Paleolithic” refers to the early phase of the Stone Age, characterized by the use of rudimentary chipped stone tools and a nomadic, hunter-gatherer lifestyle. It is a historical term used to describe a vast period of human prehistory, dating from about 2.5 million years ago to roughly 10,000 BCE. In this context, the word connects ancient populations across continents through their shared archaeological traits during that era.
Meaning: Relating to the early Stone Age, marked by the use of primitive stone tools (Adjective)
Pronunciation: pay-lee-uh-lith-ik
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *palaios* (old) + *lithos* (stone) — meaning “old stone.”
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This term is essential when discussing early human history, archaeology, and evolution. It helps categorize prehistoric cultures and technological development, especially in contrast to later periods like the Neolithic.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Old Stone Age, prehistoric, ancient
Antonyms: modern, contemporary, Neolithic (in historical comparison)
Usage Examples:
- The cave paintings in Lascaux are a remarkable example of Paleolithic art.
- Paleolithic humans survived by hunting, fishing, and foraging for wild plants.
- Archaeologists uncovered Paleolithic tools made of flint and bone.
- The shift from the Paleolithic to the Neolithic era marked a major transition in human civilization.
Cultural Reference:
"The term Paleolithic, popularized in the 19th century, revolutionized our understanding of human origins by placing early humans on a long evolutionary timeline." - Historical Commentary
Think About It:
What aspects of Paleolithic life — such as simplicity, mobility, or connection to nature — might still resonate with or inspire people today?
Quick Activity:
Sketch or describe a basic tool or object that might have been used by Paleolithic humans. What does it reveal about their needs and lifestyle?
Memory Tip:
Break the word into “Paleo” (old) + “lithic” (stone) — it literally means “old stone.” Think of ancient stone tools when you hear it.
Real-World Application:
“Paleolithic” is used in history, archaeology, anthropology, and even health trends (like the Paleo diet) to refer to ancestral lifestyles and eras. Knowing it helps place human development in a broader context.
Word 2: Deglaciation
Context:
"During the deglaciation period, another group branched out from northern coastal China and travelled to Japan." - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Deglaciation” refers to the process through which glaciers melt and retreat, usually due to rising global temperatures. It marks the transition from an Ice Age into a warmer period and has significant geographical and ecological consequences. In the given context, it explains how environmental changes opened new migration routes for ancient peoples, enabling movement from China to Japan.
Meaning: The process of melting and retreating of glaciers (Noun)
Pronunciation: dee-glay-shee-ay-shun
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *de-* (removal) + *glacies* (ice) + English suffix *-ation* indicating action or process.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This is a technical yet useful term in discussions about climate history, migration, and Earth’s changing landscapes. It’s particularly relevant in archaeology and environmental science when exploring how past climate shifts shaped human history.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: glacier retreat, melting, thawing, ice recession
Antonyms: glaciation, freezing, ice formation, ice advance
Usage Examples:
- The deglaciation of the last Ice Age drastically reshaped Earth’s continents and coastlines.
- Scientists study sediment layers to understand patterns of past deglaciation.
- The migration of ancient humans was enabled by the gradual deglaciation of northern Asia.
- Deglaciation is a key concern in current climate change models predicting sea level rise.
Cultural Reference:
"The end of the Pleistocene Epoch saw a massive deglaciation event that allowed humans and animals to repopulate previously ice-covered areas." - National Geographic
Think About It:
How might current and future deglaciation affect human societies in terms of migration, agriculture, and resource access?
Quick Activity:
Draw a simple timeline of Earth’s glacial and deglacial phases. Highlight one major migration that occurred during a deglaciation period.
Memory Tip:
“De-” means removal and “glaciation” means glaciation — so *deglaciation* is literally the “removal of ice.” Picture glaciers sliding away and revealing new land underneath.
Real-World Application:
“Deglaciation” is crucial in climate science, archaeology, and geology. Understanding it helps explain patterns in sea levels, ancient human migration, and biodiversity shifts.
Word 3: Ancestral
Context:
"We were surprised to find that this ancestral source also contributed to the Japanese gene pool, especially the indigenous Ainus," says Li. - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Ancestral” relates to ancestors — people from whom one is descended — and anything passed down through generations. In this context, it refers to the genetic or cultural origins that connect modern populations to ancient groups. When scientists speak of an "ancestral source," they’re identifying a root population that passed on traits to its descendants, like the Ainu of Japan.
Meaning: Relating to ancestors or heritage; inherited from past generations (Adjective)
Pronunciation: an-sess-truhl
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐ Beginner to Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *antecessor* (forebear), through Old French *ancestre*, meaning one who has come before.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
This word connects well with topics in genetics, culture, family, and anthropology. Use it to describe anything inherited from the past — not just people, but land, knowledge, or customs too.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: inherited, familial, hereditary, genealogical, traditional
Antonyms: modern, current, new, contemporary
Usage Examples:
- The tribe still performs ancestral rituals passed down through generations.
- Genetic testing can trace your ancestral origins across continents.
- The land has great ancestral significance for the local community.
- She wore an ancestral necklace that had been in the family for over 200 years.
Cultural Reference:
"In Māori culture, one’s *whakapapa* (genealogy) is a sacred ancestral thread connecting individuals to their land and people." - Indigenous Studies Text
Think About It:
How do your ancestral roots shape your identity, beliefs, or values today — even without your conscious awareness?
Quick Activity:
Create a simple two-level family tree. Can you identify one tradition or trait passed down from your ancestors?
Memory Tip:
“Ancestral” comes from “ancestor” — so think of it as anything that belongs to or comes from your ancestors. It carries the past into the present.
Real-World Application:
“Ancestral” is used in genetics, anthropology, family history, and cultural heritage discussions. It’s useful for describing origins and inherited legacies — both biological and cultural.
Word 4: Indigenous
Context:
"We were surprised to find that this ancestral source also contributed to the Japanese gene pool, especially the indigenous Ainus," says Li. - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Indigenous” describes people, plants, animals, or cultures that are native to a specific region or environment — meaning they originated and developed there naturally rather than being introduced from elsewhere. In this case, it refers to the Ainu people, who are considered the original inhabitants of parts of Japan. The word is often used with cultural sensitivity to emphasize native heritage and rights.
Meaning: Native to a particular place or environment; originating naturally in a region (Adjective)
Pronunciation: in-dij-uh-nuhs
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Latin *indigenus* (native, sprung from the land), from *indu-* (in) + *gignere* (to beget, produce).
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Use “indigenous” with awareness — it’s a powerful word in discussions of cultural identity, history, and land rights. It signifies authenticity and origin, and often appears in political, environmental, and anthropological contexts.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: native, original, aboriginal, local, endemic
Antonyms: foreign, migrant, colonized, non-native, introduced
Usage Examples:
- The indigenous tribes of the Amazon rainforest have lived sustainably for centuries.
- Protecting indigenous knowledge can offer solutions to modern ecological problems.
- The museum's new exhibit honors the indigenous art of the Pacific Northwest.
- Many indigenous languages are endangered and require urgent preservation efforts.
Cultural Reference:
"The United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) affirms the rights of native communities to preserve their cultural identity and autonomy." - UN Document
Think About It:
Why is it important to preserve and respect the traditions and knowledge of indigenous communities in today’s globalized world?
Quick Activity:
Research one indigenous group from any region of the world. Write 2-3 sentences about their culture or history.
Memory Tip:
Think of “indigenous” as “in + the land originally.” It refers to those who were *in* the land first — native to the place.
Real-World Application:
Use “indigenous” in discussions of native rights, environmental issues, anthropology, and cultural history — particularly when highlighting authenticity, heritage, and land connections.
Word 5: Pleistocene
Context:
"This suggests that the Pleistocene connection among the Americas, China, and Japan was not confined to culture but also to genetics," says senior author Qing-Peng Kong, an evolutionary geneticist at the Chinese Academy of Sciences. - Original Source
Explanatory Paragraph:
“Pleistocene” refers to a geological epoch that lasted from about 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago. It is marked by repeated glacial cycles, the rise of early humans, and the spread of megafauna like mammoths. In this context, the word connects a period in which populations across continents — in the Americas, China, and Japan — shared not only cultural elements but also genetic links, making it a significant era in both human and natural history.
Meaning: Relating to the geological epoch before the Holocene, characterized by ice ages and early human development (Adjective/Noun)
Pronunciation: plahy-stuh-seen
Difficulty Level: ⭐⭐⭐ Intermediate
Etymology: From Greek *pleistos* (most) + *kainos* (new), referring to the "most recent" phase of the Ice Age in the geological timeline.
Prashant Sir's Notes:
Understanding “Pleistocene” is vital when studying early human migration, ice ages, and species evolution. It appears in both academic and popular discussions about how ancient environmental shifts shaped modern life — genetically, culturally, and geographically.
Synonyms & Antonyms:
Synonyms: Ice Age (common name), prehistoric period, glacial age
Antonyms: Holocene, present day, post-glacial
Usage Examples:
- The Pleistocene epoch witnessed the evolution and global spread of Homo sapiens.
- During the Pleistocene, large parts of the Earth were covered by glaciers.
- Many extinct animals, like the saber-toothed tiger, thrived during the Pleistocene.
- Researchers study Pleistocene artifacts to understand early human behavior.
Cultural Reference:
"The movie *Ice Age* is a humorous, fictionalized take on life during the Pleistocene, complete with woolly mammoths and early climate changes." - Popular Media
Think About It:
How might the challenges faced during the Pleistocene — like harsh climates and shifting landscapes — have shaped the human species both physically and socially?
Quick Activity:
Draw or describe three key animals or tools that would have existed during the Pleistocene era. What do they reveal about the environment of that time?
Memory Tip:
Think “Pleistocene = Please-To-See Ice” — it's the Ice Age epoch when glaciers dominated and early humans adapted to survive.
Real-World Application:
“Pleistocene” is frequently used in archaeology, geology, climate science, and evolutionary biology. Knowing this term helps place current scientific discussions in the broader timeline of Earth’s history.
