Final answer:
Archaeologists and anthropologists rely on fossil evidence and cultural artifacts to construct theories about early human development. This includes studying physical changes and socio-cultural evidence found in archaeological sites to understand diets and lifestyles of the past.
Step-by-step explanation:
To construct theories about the development of early human beings, archaeologists and anthropologists rely on fossil evidence and cultural artifacts. This is because such evidence can provide concrete data about past human lifestyles, habits, and environmental interactions. Fossil evidence helps researchers trace the physical evolution of humans, examining changes in bone structure, which in turn can indicate dietary adaptations, changes in physical activity, and responses to environmental change. Conversely, cultural artifacts, such as tools, pottery, and remnants of structures, offer insights into the socio-cultural aspects of early human life, like technology, art, and social organization.
Archaeologists study early human diets through various forms of evidence, including isotopic analysis of bones to determine types of food consumed, examination of dental calculus for embedded food particles, and analysis of plant and animal remains found at archaeological sites. These methods allow archaeologists to reconstruct ancient dietary practices and understand factors like availability of resources, food preferences, and the development of agriculture.