During their summer excavation of the remote canyon walls, the research team discovered several ancient petroglyphs, which are drawings or designs carved directly into the stone surfaces. These prehistoric rock carvings depicted local wildlife, hunters with bows, and geometric symbols. By analyzing these durable stone engravings, the archaeologists hoped to understand the spiritual practices of the region’s earliest human inhabitants, who left behind no written records.
As it is used in the passage, what is the most accurate meaning of the underlined word petroglyphs?
- Ahandcrafted tools made from clay
- drawings or designs carved into stoneAnswer
- Cfossilized bones of ancient animals
- Dhandwritten records on paper scrolls
Answer
The correct answer is drawings or designs carved into stone.
The correct answer is drawings or designs carved into stone. In the first sentence, the author provides a direct definition of the low-frequency word immediately after it, explaining that petroglyphs are 'drawings or designs carved directly into the stone surfaces.' This definition is supported later in the paragraph when they are described as 'rock carvings' and 'stone engravings.'
Step-by-Step Solution
Key Concept
Decoding low-frequency academic and technical words using direct context clues, such as appositives and restatements.
Estimated Time:45s