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(Terms in italics are defined elsewhere in the glossary)

genes The basic units of inheritance, now known to be governed by the specific sequence of the genetic markers within the DNA of the individual concerned. (Chapter 11)

genotype Genetic composition of a cell or individual, as distinct from its phenotype . (Chapter 11)

geoarchaeology An area of study that uses the methods and concepts of the earth sciences to examine processes of earth formation, and soil and sediment patterns. (Chapter 6)

geochemical analysis The investigatory technique which involves taking soil samples at regular intervals from the surface of a site, and measuring their phosphate content and other chemical properties. (Chapter 3)

geomagnetic reversals An aspect of archaeomagnetism relevant to the dating of the Lower Paleolithic, involving complete reversals in the earth's magnetic field. (Chapter 4)

geomorphology A subdiscipline of geography, concerned with the study of the form and development of the landscape, it includes such specializations as sedimentology . (Chapter 6)

gift exchange See reciprocity .

glottochronology A controversial method of assessing the temporal divergence of two languages based on changes of vocabulary ( lexicostatistics ), and expressed as an arithmetic formula. (Chapters 4 & 5)

granulation The soldering of grains of metal to a background , usually of the same metal, and much used by the Etruscans. (Chapter 8)

ground-penetrating radar A method of subsurface detection in which short radio pulses are sent through the soil, such that the echoes reflect back significant changes in soil conditions. (Chapter 3)

ground reconnaissance A collective name for a wide variety of methods for identifying individual archaeological sites, including consultation of documentary sources, place-name evidence, local folklore, and legend, but primarily actual fieldwork. (Chapter 3)