Final answer:
Mary Leakey developed a classification system for Oldowan tool assemblages at Olduvai Gorge. Dorothy Garrod contributed to understanding the relationship between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals and was a Cambridge professor. Augustus Lane-Fox Pitt-Rivers applied military precision to excavation and stressed complete recovery of objects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Contributions to Excavation Techniques and Archaeology
The development of modern excavation methods was a significant advancement in the nineteenth century, and three individuals who contributed to these techniques in notable ways were Mary Leakey, Dorothy Garrod, and Augustus Lane-Fox Pitt-Rivers. Mary Leakey, an accomplished archaeologist, is renowned for her extensive work at the Olduvai Gorge in Tanzania. She pioneered a classification system for Oldowan tool assemblages based on their utility. Dorothy Garrod's discovery significantly aided the understanding of the relationship between Homo sapiens and Neanderthals and she was a trailblazing professor of archaeology at Cambridge. Lastly, Augustus Lane-Fox Pitt-Rivers integrated his military experience into archaeological excavation, advocating for the documentation and recovery of all objects discovered.
Archaeology is vital for exploring our human past, utilizing artifacts and fossils to investigate diverse human cultures. These advancements in excavation and archaeological methodologies support the scientific inquiry, enabling the study of human interaction with the environment and the development of societies over time. Each of these figures has contributed significantly to the ongoing interpretation and understanding of human history through their contributions to the methodologies and philosophies of archaeological practices.