What are lithics primarily composed of?

The correct choice highlights that lithics are primarily composed of cores and flakes. In archaeology, lithics refer to stone tools and other artifacts made from stone material. The term encompasses the raw material (like stone) which is shaped into tools, as well as the products of this process, including cores—which are the original pieces of stone that have been intentionally shaped to produce tools—and flakes, which are the fragments that are removed from the core during tool-making.

The focus on cores and flakes is essential in understanding the creation and use of lithics within a cultural context. These components are direct results of the knapping process, which is the technique used by prehistoric peoples to create sharp edges for tools and weapons. Recognizing this aspect is crucial for interpreting archaeological finds and providing insights into the technological practices of early humans.

Other choices, while they include materials related to the earth or similar concepts, do not directly pertain to the nature of lithics. Sand, clay, and water relate more to pottery and ceramics. Rocks and minerals are too broad and do not specify the artifacts produced through human manipulation. Fossils and sediments speak to different geological and ecological processes that have no connection to the deliberate crafting of stone tools.