Final answer:
Archaeology is the reconstruction of human behavior in the past through the study of artifacts, with archaeological excavation being the process used to uncover these objects and remains.
Step-by-step explanation:
The term for the reconstruction of human behavior in the distant past through the examination of artifacts is archaeology. Archaeologists conduct archaeological excavations to uncover human-made objects and biological remains to learn about the lifestyles, cultures, and societies of people before written records existed. By studying these artifacts and utilizing methods like chronometric dating and dendrochronology, archaeologists can piece together a narrative of human history, encapsulated in the physical remnants of ancient civilizations. The field intertwines scientific approaches with an understanding of human history, revealing how our ancestors adapted to and altered their environment.