Final answer:
Anthropology and paleoanthropology employ archaeological excavation to uncover artifacts and ecofacts, using a grid system for meticulous documentation and analysis of human history and environmental contexts.
Step-by-step explanation:
Anthropology and paleoanthropology are branches of science focused on understanding human history and prehistory through the study of artifacts and biological remains. These fields use archaeological excavation as a method for uncovering historical evidence, employing a grid system during excavation to organize and catalog finds. Small grid sections are typically a square meter, whereas large grid sections can be as much as ten meters squared. Artifacts, which include items such as tools, pottery, or bones with human-made markings, provide insight into past human activity. Moreover, ecofacts like seeds or shells inform researchers about the natural environment of past societies. Excavation is meticulous, using tools like trowels and brushes to carefully extract artifacts, ensuring precise documentation and preservation. Diverse methods such as chronometric dating, dendrochronology, and the study of cross-cutting relationships are utilized to determine the age of artifacts and the sequence of historical events. Paleoanthropologists, in particular, examine fossil evidence to hypothesize about human evolution, while archaeologists might use GPS to precisely map and document site data.