How Can Archaeologists Discern Social Structure in the Archaeological Record

question 26

Essay

How can archaeologists discern social structure in the archaeological record? Discuss different types of material culture that might be used to indicate social standing in the community.

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Definitions:

Nucleotides

The basic structural units of nucleic acids, like DNA and RNA, consisting of a sugar, a phosphate, and a nitrogenous base.

DNA Nucleotides

The basic building blocks of DNA, consisting of a sugar (deoxyribose), a phosphate group, and one of four nitrogenous bases (adenine, guanine, cytosine, or thymine).

RNA Nucleotides

The basic building blocks of RNA molecules that include adenine, cytosine, guanine, and uracil, which pair to encode genetic information.

Pentose Sugar

A type of simple sugar (monosaccharide) with five carbon atoms in its molecule, essential in the structure of RNA and DNA.