Final answer:
In the study of prehistory, such as with the Turkana Boy, methods like radiocarbon dating, archaeological excavation, and typological sequences are utilized to accurately date and study early human remains and artifacts.
Step-by-step explanation:
The study of prehistory commonly utilizes a variety of investigative methods, particularly relative dating techniques, to provide insight into antiquity. One of the key methods is radiocarbon dating, which measures the remaining amount of radioactive isotope carbon-14 in organic materials to determine when the organism died. Additionally, archaeological excavation plays a crucial role in uncovering artifacts and biological remains, enabling the study of human history. Furthermore, analysis through typological sequences, which involves comparing objects of similar appearance to understand their relations and changes over time, is another important research method used by archaeologists.
The use of various dating techniques allows for cross-referencing the data, thereby providing strong evidence for specific time periods and rates of speciation. For instance, in the research of the Turkana Boy, multiple methods would have been employed to ensure the precise dating of the fossils. Besides radiocarbon dating, other chronometric dating methods, like dendrochronology, and the examination of stratification are also vital in providing accurate dates for prehistoric finds.