Anthropology Exam Quiz: Trivia Facts!

Approved & Edited by ProProfs Editorial Team
The editorial team at ProProfs Quizzes consists of a select group of subject experts, trivia writers, and quiz masters who have authored over 10,000 quizzes taken by more than 100 million users. This team includes our in-house seasoned quiz moderators and subject matter experts. Our editorial experts, spread across the world, are rigorously trained using our comprehensive guidelines to ensure that you receive the highest quality quizzes.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Bmferrell21
B
Bmferrell21
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 1 | Total Attempts: 100
Questions: 21 | Attempts: 100

SettingsSettingsSettings
Anthropology Exam Quiz: Trivia Facts! - Quiz


Are you interested in anthropology? Could you pass an exam on it? This quiz can be a stepping stone for you. Anthropology is the scientific study of humanity regarding human behavior, human biology, and societies, which can be examined both in the present and the past. It also looks at patterns of behavior. If you want to study this subject, you can employ this quiz as a practice test.


Questions and Answers
  • 1. 

    What is the name of the first new world civilization?

    • A.

      Teotihuacan

    • B.

      Olmec

    • C.

      Aztecs

    • D.

      Mayans

    • E.

      Incas

    Correct Answer
    B. Olmec
    Explanation
    The Olmec civilization is considered to be the first new world civilization. They emerged around 1500 BCE in what is now modern-day Mexico. The Olmecs were known for their advanced agricultural practices, monumental architecture, and intricate stone sculptures. They established complex social and political systems, and their influence can be seen in later Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya and Aztecs. The Olmec civilization laid the foundation for the development of other civilizations in the region, making them the first in the new world.

    Rate this question:

  • 2. 

    Who did the Incredibly precise cut-stone masonry?

    • A.

      Mayans

    • B.

      Aztecs

    • C.

      Incas

    Correct Answer
    C. Incas
    Explanation
    The Incas were known for their incredibly precise cut-stone masonry. They were skilled in the art of stone carving and construction, creating intricate and seamless structures using stone blocks that fit together perfectly without the need for mortar. Their architectural achievements, such as the famous Machu Picchu, are a testament to their mastery of this technique. The Mayans and Aztecs also had impressive architectural skills, but the Incas were particularly renowned for their precision in cut-stone masonry.

    Rate this question:

  • 3. 

    Who had the earliest origins of the writing system (long count) in the New World?

    • A.

      Olmec

    • B.

      Mayans

    • C.

      Aztecs

    • D.

      Incas

    Correct Answer
    A. Olmec
    Explanation
    The Olmec civilization had the earliest origins of the writing system (long count) in the New World. The Olmec people, who lived in Mesoamerica from 1200 BCE to 400 BCE, developed a complex writing system that included hieroglyphs and symbols. This system was later adopted and further developed by other Mesoamerican civilizations like the Mayans and the Aztecs. The Incas, on the other hand, did not have a writing system as sophisticated as the Olmecs, Mayans, or Aztecs.

    Rate this question:

  • 4. 

    Three differences between the old world and the new world (name at least 2 of the four).

    Correct Answer
    Smaller boats
    No iron use
    No Large Domestic Mammals
    Explanation
    The correct answer lists three differences between the old world and the new world: smaller boats, no iron use, and no large domestic mammals. These differences highlight some of the disparities in technological advancements, material resources, and animal domestication between the two regions. The mention of smaller boats suggests that the old world had more advanced maritime technology compared to the new world. The absence of iron use in the new world implies a lack of metalworking capabilities, which could have impacted the development of tools and weapons. Additionally, the absence of large domestic mammals in the new world suggests a limited ability for agricultural practices, transportation, and labor compared to the old world.

    Rate this question:

  • 5. 

    New world civilizations not based around large _______  ________.

    Correct Answer
    river valleys
    Explanation
    New world civilizations not based around large river valleys. This suggests that the development and growth of these civilizations did not heavily rely on the presence of large river valleys. Instead, they likely had alternative sources of water and resources that allowed them to thrive and establish their own unique civilizations.

    Rate this question:

  • 6. 

    The new world civilizations can be characterized as rising and falling _____ - ______.

    Correct Answer
    city - states
    city states
    Explanation
    The new world civilizations can be characterized as rising and falling city-states. City-states refer to independent cities that have their own government and are not part of a larger political entity. These city-states were the centers of political, economic, and cultural activity in these civilizations. They would often rise in power and influence, only to later decline and be replaced by other city-states. This pattern of rise and fall was a common feature of the new world civilizations.

    Rate this question:

  • 7. 

    Monumental architecture was made of ________.

    Correct Answer
    stone
    Explanation
    Monumental architecture was made of stone because stone is a durable and long-lasting material that can withstand the test of time. It provides strength and stability to large structures, making it ideal for constructing monumental buildings and monuments. Stone also offers a sense of grandeur and permanence, which is often desired in architectural designs. Additionally, stone can be easily carved and shaped into intricate details, allowing for the creation of impressive and intricate architectural features.

    Rate this question:

  • 8. 

    There was no human-sacrifice in the old world as there was in the new world.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    B. False
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that human sacrifice existed in the new world but not in the old world. The answer "False" implies that this statement is incorrect. It means that there was human sacrifice in both the old world and the new world, contradicting the statement.

    Rate this question:

  • 9. 

    What did the practice of bloodletting signify to the people in the new world? 

    Correct Answer
    Life/Death
    Life Death
    Life / Death
    Explanation
    The practice of bloodletting signified the delicate balance between life and death to the people in the new world. It represented the belief that by removing a certain amount of blood from the body, the person's health and vitality could be restored or maintained. It was seen as a way to regulate the body's humors and prevent or cure illnesses. However, excessive bloodletting could also lead to death, highlighting the fine line between preserving life and causing harm.

    Rate this question:

  • 10. 

    Who has known salt heads?

    • A.

      Maya

    • B.

      Aztec

    • C.

      Teotihuacan

    • D.

      Olmec

    Correct Answer
    D. Olmec
    Explanation
    The Olmec civilization is known for their advanced knowledge and use of salt. They had saltworks and traded salt with other civilizations in Mesoamerica. The Maya, Aztec, and Teotihuacan civilizations also had knowledge of salt, but the Olmec were particularly renowned for their expertise in this area.

    Rate this question:

  • 11. 

    Teotihuacan's wealth was based on trade and not the military.

    • A.

      True

    • B.

      False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Teotihuacan's wealth was based on trade rather than military power. This means that the city's prosperity and economic success were primarily driven by its extensive trade networks and commercial activities, rather than by conquest or military dominance. The civilization of Teotihuacan had a highly developed trade system, with goods such as obsidian, pottery, and textiles being exchanged with other regions. The absence of defensive structures and military fortifications in Teotihuacan further supports the notion that its wealth was not primarily derived from military conquest.

    Rate this question:

  • 12. 

    What were Teotihuacans walls and defensive structures made out of?

    • A.

      Stone

    • B.

      Wood

    • C.

      Brick

    • D.

      Didn't have any walls

    Correct Answer
    D. Didn't have any walls
    Explanation
    Teotihuacan, an ancient Mesoamerican city, did not have any walls or defensive structures. This is a significant aspect of Teotihuacan's urban planning and layout. The absence of walls suggests that the city relied on other means, such as social organization or diplomacy, for defense rather than physical barriers. The lack of walls also reflects the city's openness and accessibility to trade and interaction with neighboring regions.

    Rate this question:

  • 13. 

    What civilization was known for its apartment complexes which held 60-100 people?

    • A.

      Teotihuacan

    • B.

      Olmec

    • C.

      Mayans

    • D.

      Aztecs

    • E.

      Incas

    Correct Answer
    A. Teotihuacan
    Explanation
    Teotihuacan is known for its apartment complexes that could accommodate a large number of people, ranging from 60 to 100 individuals. These complexes were a unique feature of the Teotihuacan civilization and were designed to house a significant population. The other civilizations mentioned, such as the Olmec, Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas, had their own architectural styles and living arrangements, but none of them were specifically known for apartment complexes of this scale.

    Rate this question:

  • 14. 

    What city had the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon?

    • A.

      Aztec

    • B.

      Incas

    • C.

      Teotihuacan

    • D.

      Olmec

    • E.

      Manas

    Correct Answer
    C. Teotihuacan
    Explanation
    Teotihuacan is the correct answer because it is an ancient Mesoamerican city located near present-day Mexico City. The city is known for its impressive architectural structures, including the Pyramid of the Sun and the Pyramid of the Moon. These pyramids were built by the Teotihuacan civilization, which thrived between the 1st and 7th centuries AD. The pyramids served as religious and ceremonial centers, and they are important cultural and historical landmarks of the region.

    Rate this question:

  • 15. 

    When was Teotihuacan built?

    • A.

      A.D. 100

    • B.

      A.D. 500

    • C.

      A.D. 1000

    • D.

      A.D. 1500

    Correct Answer
    B. A.D. 500
    Explanation
    Teotihuacan was built around A.D. 500. This ancient Mesoamerican city is known for its impressive pyramids and urban planning. It reached its peak during the early centuries of the Common Era and was one of the largest cities in the world at that time. The exact founding date of Teotihuacan is still debated among historians, but archaeological evidence suggests that major construction and urban development took place around A.D. 500.

    Rate this question:

  • 16. 

    Who was known as the "City-Less" civilization with ceremonial centers?

    • A.

      Olmec

    • B.

      Teotihuacan

    • C.

      Maya

    • D.

      Aztec

    • E.

      Inca

    Correct Answer
    C. Maya
    Explanation
    The Maya civilization is known as the "City-Less" civilization with ceremonial centers. This is because the Maya did not have large, centralized cities like Teotihuacan or the Aztec civilization. Instead, they had numerous smaller city-states with their own ruling elites and ceremonial centers where religious rituals and ceremonies took place. These ceremonial centers were important hubs of political, religious, and social activities within the Maya society.

    Rate this question:

  • 17. 

    Who had buildings with dates inscribed on them?

    • A.

      Maya

    • B.

      Teotihuacan

    • C.

      Olmec

    • D.

      Aztec

    Correct Answer
    A. Maya
    Explanation
    The Maya civilization had buildings with dates inscribed on them. The Maya were known for their advanced system of writing, which included hieroglyphs. They used these hieroglyphs to record important events and dates on their buildings, such as the dates of construction or significant historical events. This practice allowed them to document and preserve their history for future generations. The inscriptions on Maya buildings provide valuable insights into their culture, religion, and political history.

    Rate this question:

  • 18. 

    What were the ball courts in the Mayan culture?

    • A.

      Sports Centers

    • B.

      Sacrificial Sacrifice

    • C.

      Warrior Training Centers

    Correct Answer
    B. Sacrificial Sacrifice
    Explanation
    The ball courts in the Mayan culture were used for sacrificial rituals. These rituals involved a game called "pok-a-tok" where players would try to hit a rubber ball through a stone hoop using only their hips. The losing team would often be sacrificed as an offering to the gods. The ball courts were therefore not just sports centers or warrior training centers, but rather places where sacrificial sacrifices took place.

    Rate this question:

  • 19. 

    What was the main contributor to the decline of the Mayan civilization?

    • A.

      Plague

    • B.

      Famine

    • C.

      Disease

    • D.

      Intense Warfare

    Correct Answer
    D. Intense Warfare
    Explanation
    The main contributor to the decline of the Mayan civilization was intense warfare. This is because the Mayans engaged in frequent conflicts with neighboring city-states, leading to the destruction of many cities and the weakening of their civilization. The constant warfare resulted in the loss of resources, population, and infrastructure, ultimately leading to the collapse of the Mayan civilization.

    Rate this question:

  • 20. 

    What was the capital of the Aztec empire?

    • A.

      Teotihuacan

    • B.

      Olmec

    • C.

      Tenochtitlan

    Correct Answer
    C. Tenochtitlan
    Explanation
    Tenochtitlan was the capital of the Aztec empire. It was founded in 1325 and located on an island in Lake Texcoco, in what is now modern-day Mexico City. Tenochtitlan was a major political, economic, and cultural center of the Aztec civilization. It was known for its impressive architecture, including temples, palaces, and causeways. The city was conquered and destroyed by Spanish conquistadors led by Hernán Cortés in 1521, marking the end of the Aztec empire.

    Rate this question:

  • 21. 

    We build a vast road system.

    • A.

      Inca

    • B.

      Mayan

    • C.

      Aztecs

    Correct Answer
    A. Inca
    Explanation
    The correct answer is Inca because they were known for constructing an extensive road system throughout their empire. These roads, known as the Inca Road or Qhapaq Ñan, stretched for thousands of miles and connected various parts of their empire. The Inca road system played a crucial role in facilitating communication, trade, and military movements within the empire. It was a remarkable engineering feat that showcased the Inca's advanced knowledge in construction and infrastructure development.

    Rate this question:

Quiz Review Timeline +

Our quizzes are rigorously reviewed, monitored and continuously updated by our expert board to maintain accuracy, relevance, and timeliness.

  • Current Version
  • Mar 21, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Dec 15, 2009
    Quiz Created by
    Bmferrell21
Advertisement
×

Wait!
Here's an interesting quiz for you.

We have other quizzes matching your interest.