What are middens?

Middens are indeed best defined as mounds created from human collection and disposal activities, particularly of refuse or waste. These mounds often contain a variety of materials, such as food remains, tools, and other artifacts, which provide significant archaeological insight into the daily lives, diets, and behaviors of past human populations. By studying these deposits, anthropologists can gain a deeper understanding of cultural practices, environmental conditions, and even changes in technology over time.

Other options suggest different functions that do not align with the definition of a midden. For instance, structures used for storing grains focus on agricultural practices rather than the disposal of refuse, while watering holes pertain to sources of water rather than human refuse. Caves, although sometimes associated with habitation, do not serve the same function of refuse accumulation and analysis that middens do. Thus, the concept of middens is closely tied to the study of human activity and environmental interaction, making the first choice the most accurate.