Neanderthal Technology
Read Neanderthal Technology and check the IELTS Reading answers. We think of our prehistoric ancestors as people of the ice and snow, living in caves, and for many of the west European Neanderthalers that is a just picture of their life. But where there were no caves, further to the east on the Rus…
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We think of our prehistoric ancestors as people of the ice and snow, living in caves, and for many of the west European Neanderthalers that is a just picture of their life. But where there were no caves, further to the east on the Russian steppe, for example, open-air sites with some sort of constructed shelter were the only option. We now know much more about the cave sites than the open-air ones because, historically, it was the cave sites of Western Europe that were first explored by archaeologists and also because open-air sites are harder to find – many of them have disappeared under deep mud deposits or under the rising postglacial seas. Caves, moreover, aid the survival of archaeological material and can preserve the records of remote millennia.
Answers with explanations
- 27. v
Paragraph A discusses **open-air sites** versus **cave sites**, explaining why we know more about one than the other. The heading 'Contrasting two types of home' fits this comparison.
- 28. iii
Paragraph B describes the Périgord region as an **exceptionally benign habitat** (benign means kind/favorable) with protection, sunshine, and food. This matches the heading 'A perfect place to live'.
- 29. i
Paragraph C focuses on **open-air sites** (outdoor) like Moldova, describing remains of **structures** and **tents**. This matches the heading 'Evidence of outdoor dwellings'.
- 30. iv
Paragraph D details specific items found **inside the caves** (Grotte du Lazaret), such as bones, skins, and shells used for bedding. This matches the heading 'Examining the cave contents'.
- 31. vi
Paragraph E discusses the use and importance of **fire** for survival, warmth, and defence. This matches the heading 'A vital source of power'.
- 32. E
The text mentions a **charred piece of birch** (burnt wood) found in **Krapina**. This matches place E.
- 33. D
The text describes **cobbles** laid down in **Baume-Bonne** to deal with a **puddle area** (prevent pools of water). This matches place D.
- 34. C
The text mentions **marine molluse shells** (sea creatures) found at **Lazaret**. This matches place C.
- 35. B
The text describes a **ring** (circular arrangement) of **mammoth bones** found in **Moldova**. This matches place B.
- 36. C
The text mentions **animal pelts** (fur) used for coverings/warmth in **Grotte du Lazaret**. This matches place C.
- 37. sub-arctic
The summary mentions the conditions were ____. The text states survival was inconceivable without fire because of the **sub-arctic conditions**. The word 'sub-arctic' fits the gap.
- 38. short
The summary asks about the duration of the fires. The text states the fire was only of a **short duration**. The word 'short' fits the gap.
- 39. animals
The summary mentions protection from dangerous ____. The text lists 'defence against **predatory animals**'. 'Predatory' means dangerous/hunting. The answer 'animals' (or 'predatory animals') fits grammatically and contextually.
- 40. C
The article surveys different types of sites (caves, open-air), structures, and findings (fire, tools) to provide an overview of Neanderthal life. This aligns with **discussing what is known about Neanderthal settlements** (Option C).