Which best explains why it is hard to tell what kind of three the art prehistoric societies had?
There are several reasons why it is challenging to determine what kind of trees prehistoric societies had.
1. Lack of physical evidence: Prehistoric art predominantly survives in the form of paintings, drawings, and sculptures. These art forms are typically found in caves, rock shelters, or open-air sites. Trees are organic materials that decompose over time, leaving behind little physical evidence. As a result, it is difficult to ascertain which specific tree species were prevalent during prehistoric times.
2. Limited archaeological record: The archaeological record is the physical evidence left behind by past human cultures. While certain types of evidence, such as tools, pottery, or structures, can provide insights into prehistoric societies, these rarely provide direct information about the trees present. Fossilized wood or charcoal can occasionally offer clues, but their survival is relatively rare.
3. Cultural bias and subjective interpretations: Interpreting prehistoric art is subjective and can be influenced by cultural bias. Artistic representations of trees can vary depending on the artist's intent, regional differences, stylistic preferences, or symbolic meanings. The artistic depiction may not accurately represent the physical characteristics of the trees, making it challenging to determine the specific species.
4. Time and environmental changes: The passage of time and environmental transformations further complicate the identification of prehistoric trees. Over thousands of years, landscapes change significantly due to natural processes like climate change, deforestation, or human intervention. The trees depicted in prehistoric art may no longer exist in the same areas or have evolved into different species entirely.
In summary, the absence of physical evidence, limited archaeological record, cultural biases, and changes in landscapes over time make it challenging to determine the specific types of trees present in prehistoric societies.