1.
The most important crop grown under irrigation (which has led to excessive water withdrawal from the Aral Sea) in Central Asia is
Correct Answer
D. Cotton.
Explanation
Cotton is the most important crop grown under irrigation in Central Asia, which has resulted in excessive water withdrawal from the Aral Sea. Cotton requires a significant amount of water for cultivation, leading to the depletion of water resources in the region. This has had severe consequences for the Aral Sea, which has experienced a dramatic reduction in size and ecological degradation due to the diversion of water for cotton irrigation.
2.
What was the foundation of Stalin's industrialization drive?
Correct Answer
B. Collectivization of agriculture
Explanation
Stalin's industrialization drive was founded on the collectivization of agriculture. This involved the consolidation of individual farms into large collective farms, which allowed for greater control over agricultural production and resources. By collectivizing agriculture, Stalin aimed to increase agricultural output, provide a stable food supply for industrial workers, and generate surplus grain for export to fund industrialization. This policy also aimed to eliminate the influence of wealthy landowners and create a more equitable distribution of land and resources among the rural population.
3.
The original purpose of the city of St. Petersburg was
Correct Answer
C. National capital.
Explanation
The original purpose of the city of St. Petersburg was to serve as the national capital. This can be inferred from the fact that St. Petersburg was founded by Peter the Great in 1703 with the intention of creating a new capital for Russia. The city was strategically located on the Baltic Sea and was intended to be a symbol of Russia's westernization and expansion. St. Petersburg served as the capital of Russia for over 200 years, until the capital was moved back to Moscow in 1918.
4.
On what were the original fifteen republics of the Soviet Union based as outlined by Lenin?
Correct Answer
A. Predominant ethnicity within that territory
Explanation
The original fifteen republics of the Soviet Union were based on the predominant ethnicity within each territory. Lenin believed in the principle of national self-determination, which meant that each ethnic group should have its own autonomous region or republic within the Soviet Union. This was done in an attempt to address the national and cultural diversity within the country and provide a sense of autonomy to different ethnic groups.
5.
This is the best description for MOST of Russia, including Siberia.
Correct Answer
E. Flat plains
Explanation
The given answer, "Flat plains," is the best description for most of Russia, including Siberia. This suggests that the majority of Russia's landscape consists of flat, level terrain with no significant slopes or mountains. While there may be some steeply sloped areas, mountains, and deeply carved river valleys and canyons in certain regions of Russia, such as the Caucasus Mountains or the Ural Mountains, this description does not apply to the majority of the country. Therefore, "Flat plains" is the most accurate and fitting description for most of Russia.
6.
Who was the first leader of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics?
Correct Answer
D. V.I. "Nikolai" Lenin
Explanation
V.I. "Nikolai" Lenin was the first leader of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). He was a key figure in the Russian Revolution and played a crucial role in the establishment of the Soviet Union. Lenin led the Bolshevik Party and became the head of the Soviet government after the October Revolution in 1917. He implemented policies such as the nationalization of industry and the redistribution of land, which laid the foundation for the socialist state. Lenin's leadership shaped the early years of the Soviet Union and set the stage for the subsequent leaders and policies that followed.
7.
This is the most likely place in the Russian Federation to observe active volcanoes.
Correct Answer
D. Kamchatka
Explanation
Kamchatka is the most likely place in the Russian Federation to observe active volcanoes because it is a peninsula located in the far east of Russia and is part of the Pacific Ring of Fire. The region is known for its high volcanic activity, with over 200 volcanoes, including some of the most active in the world. Kamchatka's volcanic activity attracts scientists and tourists alike, making it a prime location for observing and studying active volcanoes.
8.
What is chernozem?
Correct Answer
C. Particularly fertile soils of the steppes
Explanation
Chernozem refers to particularly fertile soils found in the steppes. The term "chernozem" originated from Russian and means "black soil" due to its dark color. These soils are rich in organic matter and nutrients, making them highly productive for agriculture. Chernozem is known for its ability to retain moisture and support the growth of various crops. It is commonly found in the grasslands of Eastern Europe and Russia, where it has played a significant role in supporting agricultural activities.
9.
This vegetation type of drought-resistant grasses also refers to a very dry climate, characteristic of southern Russia, Ukraine, and northern Central Asia.
Correct Answer
D. Steppe
Explanation
Steppe is the correct answer because it refers to a vegetation type of drought-resistant grasses that is also associated with a very dry climate. This type of vegetation is commonly found in southern Russia, Ukraine, and northern Central Asia. The steppe biome is characterized by vast grasslands and is known for its low precipitation and extreme temperature fluctuations. It is well-suited for the growth of drought-resistant grasses due to its arid conditions.
10.
Which of these rivers flows through western Siberia?
Correct Answer
B. Ob
Explanation
The Ob River is the correct answer because it is the only river listed that flows through western Siberia. The Dneiper, Don, Volga, and Amur rivers do not flow through this region.
11.
What country or region has experienced the greatest environmental impact from the nuclear reactor accident at Chernobyl, Ukraine in 1986?
Correct Answer
B. Ukraine
Explanation
The correct answer is Ukraine. The Chernobyl nuclear reactor accident in 1986 had the greatest environmental impact on Ukraine, as it occurred in the city of Chernobyl, which is located in Ukraine. The accident released a large amount of radioactive material into the environment, causing significant contamination of the surrounding areas in Ukraine. The effects of the accident are still being felt today, with ongoing efforts to mitigate the environmental and health consequences in Ukraine.
12.
Which vegetation type found in the Russian Federation represents a cold-resistant, boreal coniferous forest?
Correct Answer
A. Taiga
Explanation
The correct answer is Taiga. Taiga is a cold-resistant, boreal coniferous forest found in the Russian Federation. It is characterized by its dense forests of evergreen coniferous trees such as pine, spruce, and fir. The taiga biome is adapted to the cold climate and has a short growing season. It is the largest vegetation type in Russia, covering a significant portion of its land area.
13.
Which of the following is the best description for the climates in most of the Russian Federation?
Correct Answer
A. Continental
Explanation
The best description for the climates in most of the Russian Federation is continental. This is because Russia is a vast country with a majority of its landmass located in the northern hemisphere, far from any significant bodies of water. As a result, the climate is characterized by long, cold winters and short, hot summers, with a large temperature range between seasons. This continental climate is influenced by the country's size and its distance from the moderating effects of oceans or seas.
14.
Unlike Moscow, St. Petersburg
Correct Answer
D. Is a port that allows access to the Atlantic.
Explanation
St. Petersburg is a port that allows access to the Atlantic because it is located on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea. This strategic location made it an important trading hub and allowed for easy access to the Atlantic Ocean and international trade routes. The city's development and growth were greatly influenced by its maritime connections, making it a significant port city in Russia.
15.
The term "Slavic" denotes both ethnicity and
Correct Answer
B. A language group.
Explanation
The term "Slavic" primarily refers to a language group. The Slavic languages are a branch of the Indo-European language family and include languages such as Russian, Polish, Ukrainian, and Serbian. While there are cultural and historical connections between Slavic-speaking people and certain religious groups, such as Eastern Orthodox Christianity, the term itself does not specifically denote a religious group.
16.
What is the significance of the region of Nagorno-Karabakh?
Correct Answer
A. It is disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan.
Explanation
The significance of the region of Nagorno-Karabakh lies in the fact that it is disputed between Armenia and Azerbaijan. This territorial conflict has been ongoing for decades and has resulted in a long-standing dispute between the two countries. The region holds strategic importance due to its location and access to natural resources, making it a focal point for both Armenia and Azerbaijan. The conflict has resulted in violence and displacement of people, making it a significant issue in the region.
17.
The original industrial base of Russia's Central Region was
Correct Answer
E. Industry and textiles.
Explanation
The correct answer is industry and textiles. This is because the Central Region of Russia had a strong industrial base, with a focus on manufacturing and production. This included industries such as textiles, which involved the production of fabrics and clothing, as well as other manufacturing sectors. The region also had a history of being a center for industrial development and innovation, making industry and textiles a fitting answer for the original industrial base of the Central Region.
18.
This is the closest latitudinal equivalent to Moscow in the United States.
Correct Answer
C. Juneau, Alaska
Explanation
Juneau, Alaska is the closest latitudinal equivalent to Moscow in the United States because both cities are located at approximately 60 degrees north latitude. This means that they are at the same distance from the equator in terms of latitude. Chicago, Illinois; Sacramento, California; Denver, Colorado; and Washington, D.C. are all located at lower latitudes compared to Moscow, while Juneau, Alaska is the closest match in terms of latitude.
19.
Lithuania, Belarus, southern Latvia, and western Ukraine became part of the Russian Empire during this person's reign.
Correct Answer
B. Catherine the Great
Explanation
Catherine the Great was the ruler of Russia from 1762 to 1796. During her reign, Lithuania, Belarus, southern Latvia, and western Ukraine became part of the Russian Empire. Catherine the Great expanded the Russian Empire through military conquests and diplomatic negotiations, solidifying Russia's control over these territories. She is known for her efforts to modernize Russia and her strong leadership during her reign.
20.
Moscow and Petersburg are best characterized as
Correct Answer
B. Gateway regions.
Explanation
Moscow and Petersburg are best characterized as gateway regions. This means that they serve as important entry points or hubs for trade, commerce, and transportation. Both cities have well-developed infrastructure and are strategically located, making them major centers for international business and cultural exchange. They act as gateways to other regions and countries, connecting different parts of Russia and facilitating the flow of goods, services, and people.