What kinds of evidence do archaeologists, anthropologists and paleontologists study to find out how prehistoric people lived?

Archaeologists, anthropologists, and paleontologists study various types of evidence to understand how prehistoric people lived:

Archaeologists:

• Artifacts: Objects and tools left behind by ancient people, such as pottery, weapons, tools and structures.
• Features: Human-made structures or modifications to the landscape, like hearths, houses, burial sites and roads.
• Fossils: Ancient plant and animal remains found in archaeological contexts, providing insights into ancient environments and diets.

Anthropologists:

• Cultural Practices: Study of cultural traditions, rituals, social structures and customs passed down through generations.
• Language and Communication: Understanding ancient languages or studying how communication might have evolved through symbols or other means.
• Cultural Anthropology: Observing and analyzing the behaviors, beliefs and practices of modern indigenous cultures that might mirror ancient ways of life.

Paleontologists:

• Fossils: Studying human and animal remains, bones, teeth and footprints to reconstruct physical traits, behavior and diet.
• Paleoenvironmental Evidence: Analyzing ancient environments, climate and habitats through fossils, sediments and geological data.
• Dating Techniques: Employing various dating methods (carbon dating, stratigraphy, etc.) to determine the age of fossils, artifacts and sites.

By combining these types of evidence, experts gain insights into prehistoric lifestyles, diets, technology, social structures, cultural practices and environmental conditions of ancient civilizations and prehistoric peoples.