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#1. The period of human history before the existence of literary sources is known as the _________ Era.
The text explicitly defines the “Pre-historic Era” as the “Time before literary sources.” The Proto-historic era is the subsequent transition period, while the Historic era begins with the advent of writing.
#2. The transition period between the Stone Age and fully historic times, characterized by herbal food, metal use, and permanent settlements, is called the _________ period.
The source text defines the “Proto-historic” period as the “transition period” that included key developments like metal use. The other terms refer to specific stages within the Stone Age (Paleolithic, Neolithic) or a later cultural phase (Megalithic).
#3. The earliest human settlements in Sri Lanka were created by early _________, who adapted to various climatic zones.
The text states that the “Early Settlements” were “Created by early Homo Sapiens.” This identifies the specific human species responsible for the prehistoric culture of Sri Lanka.
#4. The primary mode of subsistence for the earliest inhabitants of Sri Lanka was roaming, hunting, and _________.
The text describes their lifestyle as “Subsistence: – Roaming, hunting, and gathering food.” This is the classic definition of a hunter-gatherer economy, which predates agriculture.
#5. In the Rathnapura region, Stone Age evidence is found in a deep gravel layer mixed with soil, known as a _________, which also contains bones of extinct animals.
The text uses a specific geological term for this deposit: “Lode: – Gravel layers mixed with soil… Around 90 feet deep.” A lode is a deposit of ore or minerals embedded in rock, used here to describe the artifact-bearing gravel.
#6. The gravel layers in the Iranamadu Formation, which contain Stone Age tools, are believed to have been deposited during short _________ periods of the Pleistocene era.
The text provides a specific climatic context for the formation of this layer: “Deposited during short warm periods of the Pleistocene era.” This contrasts with the Rathnapura deposits, which were formed during heavy rainy periods.
#7. The adaptation of Stone Age people to Sri Lanka’s six main environmental zones resulted in noticeable differences in their food consumption and _________.
The text states that due to adaptation to different zones, there were “Differences in: Food Consumption” and “Technology.” People developed different tools and techniques to exploit the unique resources of their specific environment.
#8. Archaeological evidence from the Lowland Dry Zone shows a focus on hunting animals like deer and _________, which were different from the main resources of the wet zone.
The text gives specific examples of prey in this zone: “Lowland Dry Zone focus on: Hunting animals like deer, iguana.” This highlights the local fauna that formed part of their diet.
#9. Scientific analysis has dated the gravel layer at Bundala, Wellegangoda to be approximately _________ years old.
The text provides a specific date for this important site: “Bundala Gravel Layer – 80,000 years old.” This places it as one of the oldest, but slightly younger than the Pathirajawela layer.
#10. Based on the available evidence, the duration of the Stone Age in Sri Lanka is considered to be from 125,000 years ago to at least _________.
The text specifies the long timespan of this culture: “Stone Age Duration- 125,000 years to 1800 BC (minimum).” This shows the remarkable longevity of the hunter-gatherer lifestyle on the island.
#11. The prehistoric cave site of Kuruwita Batadombalena has yielded evidence of human occupation dating back _________ years.
The text includes a list of key sites and their dates, stating: “Kuruwita Batadombalena – 28,000 years.” This makes it another of Sri Lanka’s most significant and ancient human habitation sites.
#12. The cave sites of Pothana and Aligala are key examples of Stone Age settlements located in the _________.
The text categorizes key sites by their location, listing “Pothana (Sigiriya)” and “Aligala (Sigiriya)” under “Lowland Dry Zone Caves.” Sigiriya is a prominent landmark in the dry zone.
#13. Prehistoric people often used _________ for shelter during rainy seasons, while preferring open areas in the dry season.
The text describes their settlement strategy: “Open areas for dry season” and “Natural caves during rainy seasons.” Caves provided essential shelter from the heavy monsoon rains.
#14. Bellanbendipelessa is a unique and important site categorized as a _________, as opposed to a cave settlement.
The text classifies this site specifically as a “Lowland Wet Zone Outdoor Camps: – Bellanbendipelessa.” Its location in the open, not in a cave, makes it distinct.
#15. Horton Plains and Bandarawela are mentioned as examples of _________ used by Stone Age people, likely for hunting.
The text lists these locations under the category “Hillside Hunting Places,” indicating that people moved to higher elevations, likely on a seasonal basis, to hunt specific animals.
#16. Based on the size of settlement sites like Church Hill in Bandarawela (150 sq m), it is estimated that they could have accommodated a group of about _________ people.
The source text gives a specific example of population estimation: “Church Hill (Bandarawela): 150 sq m, ~25 people.” This provides a tangible sense of the size of their communities.
#17. To gather enough food, it is estimated that a Stone Age person had to travel approximately _________ per day.
The text provides an estimate of their daily foraging range: “Daily travel: ~7 km for food.” This highlights the constant mobility required by their hunter-gatherer lifestyle.
#18. At Belilena Cave, the discovery of 12 buried skeletons indicates that prehistoric people often used their living spaces, such as _________, for burials.
The text states under burial practices: “Caves: Buried dead inside caves,” and gives the specific example of “Belilena Cave: 12 buried skeletons.” This shows an intimate connection between the living and the dead.
#19. The diet of Stone Age people included a wide variety of animals, such as gaur, buffalo, wild boar, and the now-extinct _________.
The text lists the animal protein sources, including the “black bear” among many others. The mention of this animal, which is no longer found in Sri Lanka, provides insight into the past environment.
#20. Besides meat and fish, plant-based starches like wild breadfruit, wild plantains, and various yams such as Gonala and _________ were part of their diet.
The source text lists specific types of yams consumed: “Yams: Gonala, Katuala.” This level of detail comes from archaeobotanical analysis of prehistoric sites.
#21. Evidence from Belilena suggests that people brought _________ from coastal areas to mix with their food, indicating trade or travel over long distances.
The text mentions a specific finding: “Salt: from coastal areas – Belilena: Oysters mixed with salt.” The presence of a coastal resource in an inland wet zone cave is significant evidence of movement or exchange networks.
#22. While stone tools provide the main evidence for their technology, the text notes that our knowledge is incomplete due to the limited number of tools discovered and insufficient information about their _________.
The text lists the challenges in understanding their technology, including “Insufficient knowledge about tool ages.” Proper dating is crucial for understanding technological development over time.
#23. Besides geometric tools, Stone Age people more commonly made _________ tools for a variety of purposes like cutting, scratching, and digging.
The source text states that “Non-Geometric Micro Stone Tools” were “More commonly made than geometric tools.” This indicates that while the geometric tools are a unique feature, the bulk of their toolkit consisted of simpler, multi-purpose implements.
#24. In addition to quartz tools, prehistoric people also used tools made from other stones, such as hammers and grinding stones made of _________.
The text lists “Other Tools,” specifying “Hammers (granite)” and “Grinding stones (granite).” This shows they selected different types of stone based on the properties needed for a particular task (e.g., hardness for hammering).
#25. Analysis of skeletal remains has revealed distinct physical features of Stone Age people, including large teeth, a wide nose, and a _________.
The text describes their “Facial Features,” which include “Large teeth,” “Wide nose,” and a “Prominent chin.” These robust features are characteristic of early Homo sapiens populations.
#26. According to anthropologists’ views based on skeletal evidence, the maximum lifespan of a Stone Age person in Sri Lanka was approximately _________ years.
The text provides an estimate for their longevity: “Maximum lifespan: ~35-40 years (anthropologists’ view).” This reflects the harsh realities of a prehistoric lifestyle without modern medicine.
#27. At Batadomba Lena Cave in Kuruwita, a specific burial practice was observed where skeletons were buried in a _________ position.
The source material describes a unique finding at this site: “Batadomba Lena Cave (Kuruwita): – Curled skeletons buried.” This type of burial, often called a fetal position burial, likely had significant ritual meaning.
#28. The use of red ochre in burials, such as painting skulls at Rawana Ella Cave and entire skeletons at Pahiyangala, is a key indicator of complex _________ among Stone Age people.
The text presents this evidence under the heading “Rituals.” The deliberate and symbolic use of a specific pigment in a funerary context is strong evidence for belief systems and ritualistic behavior.
