1.
Atahuallpa's presence at Cajamarca highlights a key factor in world history, which is
Correct Answer
B. Diseases transmitted to peoples lacking immunity by invading peoples with considerable immunity
Explanation
The presence of Atahuallpa at Cajamarca highlights the key factor in world history that diseases were transmitted to peoples lacking immunity by invading peoples with considerable immunity. This is significant because the Spanish conquistadors, who had been exposed to various diseases in Europe, brought these diseases to the Americas where the indigenous populations had no prior exposure or immunity. This led to devastating epidemics that decimated the native populations and played a major role in the conquest and colonization of the Americas by the Europeans.
2.
How many years ago did people start to turn to food production (domesticating wild animals and plants and eating the resulting livestock and crops)?
Correct Answer
B. 11,000
Explanation
The correct answer is 11,000. This is the approximate number of years ago when people began to turn to food production by domesticating wild animals and plants and consuming the resulting livestock and crops. This marked a significant shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to an agricultural one, leading to the development of settled communities and the rise of civilization.
3.
Horses, guns, steel swords, ships, writing, political organization, and _______________ were all of equal importance in wars of conquest
Correct Answer
Germs
Epidemics
Diseases
Explanation
The given answer options of "Germs, Epidemics, Diseases" are all related to the spread and impact of illnesses. In the context of wars of conquest, these factors can play a significant role in determining the outcome. Germs, such as bacteria and viruses, can cause epidemics and diseases, which can weaken and even decimate populations. This can give an advantage to the conquering side, as they may have immunity or resistance to these illnesses. Therefore, the presence and impact of germs, epidemics, and diseases are considered equally important in wars of conquest.
4.
Accelerator mass spectrometry has yielded dates of certain events and origin of artifacts that only differ slightly from dates yielded by radiocarbon dating.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) is a more advanced technique than traditional radiocarbon dating, as it allows for the analysis of smaller samples and provides more precise results. Therefore, AMS is expected to yield dates that are more accurate and less prone to error compared to radiocarbon dating. Hence, the statement that AMS yields dates that only differ slightly from radiocarbon dating is false.
5.
Often referred to as mad cow disease, diagnoses have led to a change in the way the USDA tests beef.
Correct Answer
bovine spongiform encephalopathy
(BSE)
bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE)
BSE
6.
According to the earliest dates, where were the first crops domesticated?
Correct Answer
C. Southwest Asia (Fertile Crescent)
Explanation
The correct answer is Southwest Asia (Fertile Crescent). This region is known as the cradle of civilization and is widely recognized as the place where agriculture first emerged. The Fertile Crescent, which includes modern-day countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Turkey, had favorable environmental conditions for the cultivation of crops. The domestication of crops in this region marked a significant shift from a hunter-gatherer lifestyle to settled farming communities, leading to the development of complex societies.
7.
Carbon dating alone determined when and where crops were first domesticated
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
Carbon dating had a significant role but many other factors helped hypothesize when and where crops were first domesticated
8.
Wild plants are larger than domesticated plants.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is false. Domesticated plants, which have been selectively bred by humans for specific traits, are typically larger than their wild counterparts. Domestication has allowed plants to adapt to human cultivation practices, resulting in larger and more productive crops. Wild plants, on the other hand, have not undergone this selective breeding and tend to be smaller and less productive. Therefore, the statement that wild plants are larger than domesticated plants is incorrect.
9.
What is the most prevalent month in which tomatoes are ready to be harvested.
Correct Answer
B. August
Explanation
August is the most prevalent month in which tomatoes are ready to be harvested. This is because tomatoes typically require warm weather and a longer growing season to fully ripen. In many regions, August is the peak of summer, providing the ideal conditions for tomatoes to mature and reach their full flavor. Additionally, farmers often plan their planting schedules to ensure that tomatoes are ready for harvest in August, making it the most common month for tomato harvesting.
10.
What disease caused the greatest single epidemic in human history?
Correct Answer
B. Influenza
Explanation
Influenza caused the greatest single epidemic in human history. The influenza pandemic of 1918, also known as the Spanish flu, infected an estimated 500 million people worldwide and resulted in the deaths of 20 to 50 million individuals. This pandemic was particularly severe due to the high mortality rate among young adults, which is unusual for influenza. The rapid spread of the virus and the lack of effective medical interventions at the time contributed to its devastating impact.
11.
The five areas in which food production definitely arose independently were the Fertile Crescent, China, Mesoamerica, the South American Andes, and the eastern United States.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement is true because archaeological evidence shows that food production did indeed arise independently in these five regions. The Fertile Crescent, located in the Middle East, is known as the birthplace of agriculture, with the domestication of crops such as wheat and barley. China also independently developed agriculture, with the cultivation of rice and millet. Mesoamerica, which includes present-day Mexico and Central America, saw the domestication of maize (corn) and other crops. The South American Andes region witnessed the domestication of potatoes and other tubers. Finally, the eastern United States independently cultivated crops such as sunflowers and squash.
12.
________ is one of the most potent neurotoxins on the planet that grows in airless, sealed containers.
Correct Answer
Botulism
Explanation
Botulism is caused by the bacterium Clostridium botulinum, which produces a potent neurotoxin. This neurotoxin is one of the most powerful on Earth and can cause severe paralysis, respiratory failure, and even death. It thrives in anaerobic (airless) environments, such as sealed containers, where it can grow and produce the toxin. Consuming food contaminated with the botulinum toxin can lead to botulism, a serious illness that requires immediate medical attention. Therefore, botulism is the correct answer to the question.
13.
Where did a majority of diseases that humans contracted originate?
Correct Answer
C. Domesticated Animals
Explanation
Domesticated animals are the source of a majority of diseases that humans contract. This is because close contact with these animals, such as through farming or living in close proximity, increases the risk of disease transmission. Many infectious diseases, such as influenza, tuberculosis, and various viral infections, have originated from domesticated animals. These animals can serve as reservoirs for pathogens that can then be transmitted to humans through direct contact, consumption of contaminated food or water, or through vectors like mosquitoes or ticks. Therefore, domesticated animals play a significant role in the origin and spread of diseases among humans.
14.
Oak trees have not become domesticated due to slow growth
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Oak trees have not become domesticated due to their slow growth. Domestication involves the process of selectively breeding plants or animals to adapt them to human needs and preferences. However, oak trees have a slow growth rate, which makes it difficult to manipulate their characteristics through breeding. This slow growth rate also hinders the ability to produce desired traits in a shorter period of time. Therefore, oak trees have not been successfully domesticated, making the statement true.
15.
The First ‘proto-human’ originated from ________________ (continent).
Correct Answer
Africa
Explanation
The first 'proto-human' originated from Africa. This is supported by scientific evidence such as fossil records and genetic studies, which indicate that the earliest human ancestors evolved in Africa and then migrated to other parts of the world. Africa is considered the birthplace of humanity, as it is where the oldest known hominin fossils have been found, dating back millions of years. Additionally, genetic studies have shown that all modern humans share a common African ancestry, further confirming Africa as the continent of origin for proto-humans.
16.
There is a direct link between the rise in human population density and the rise in food production.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that as the human population density increases, there is also an increase in food production. This could be because a higher population requires more food to sustain themselves, leading to the need for increased food production. Additionally, a higher population density may also lead to advancements in agricultural technology and techniques, resulting in higher food production. Therefore, the statement is true as it implies a direct correlation between population density and food production.
17.
As people become increasingly dependent on domesticated __________ & animals, knowledge that was once traditional, loses its value and becomes lost.
Correct Answer
Plants
Explanation
As people rely more on domesticated plants and animals, traditional knowledge about them becomes less valuable and eventually forgotten. This is because people no longer need to rely on traditional methods for obtaining resources from plants as they can easily cultivate them. Consequently, the importance of traditional knowledge diminishes, leading to its loss over time.
18.
Of the first eight significant crops to be domesticated in the Fertile Crescent none were selfers (self-pollinating).
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because it states that none of the first eight significant crops to be domesticated in the Fertile Crescent were self-pollinating. This means that at least one of the first eight crops was self-pollinating.
19.
Only ____species provide over 80 percent of the modern world’s annual crop tonnage
Correct Answer
B. 12
Explanation
Out of the given options, the correct answer is 12. This means that only 12 species provide over 80 percent of the modern world's annual crop tonnage. This suggests that a small number of species are responsible for the majority of the world's crop production, highlighting the importance of these specific species in global agriculture.
20.
Most crops were only domesticated once in Eurasia
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
The statement suggests that most crops were domesticated only once in Eurasia. This means that the process of cultivating and adapting plants for human use occurred predominantly in Eurasia and not in other regions. This is supported by historical evidence and archaeological findings, which show that many important crops such as wheat, barley, rice, and millet were first domesticated in Eurasia and then spread to other parts of the world. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct.
21.
Food productions spreads easier along the _________ axis because locations along these lines have similiar climates and the same length of day.
Correct Answer
East-west
east west
east/west
Explanation
Food production spreads easier along the east-west axis because locations along these lines have similar climates and the same length of day. This means that crops can be grown and harvested at similar times, making it easier to coordinate agricultural activities. Additionally, similar climates ensure that crops suited to a particular climate can be grown across a larger area, increasing overall food production.
22.
Measles can likely be traced back to what animal?
Correct Answer
C. Cow
Explanation
Measles can likely be traced back to cows because measles is caused by the measles virus, which is believed to have originated from a virus that infects cattle. This virus, called rinderpest, is closely related to the measles virus and it is thought that the virus jumped from cows to humans, leading to the emergence of measles.
23.
Which of the following was NOT a cause of the swift defeat of the Aztecs by Pizarro and his men?
Correct Answer
B. The European's knowledge of the land based on maps previously drawn.
Explanation
The swift defeat of the Aztecs by Pizarro and his men cannot be attributed to the European's knowledge of the land based on maps previously drawn. This is because the Europeans did not have accurate maps of the Aztec empire, and their knowledge of the land was limited. The main causes of the defeat were the diseases that affected only the Aztecs, the advanced warfare technology of the Europeans including firearms and horses, and the Europeans' superior knowledge of warfare due to their literacy.
24.
Most epidemic diseases were originally transferred as a closely related ancestor of the disease that originally infected an animal that humans domesticated.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
This statement suggests that many epidemic diseases originated from a disease that infected animals that humans domesticated. This implies that humans contracted these diseases from animals, leading to the spread of the diseases among human populations. Therefore, the statement is true.
25.
Jared Diamond is a professor of geography at ___________.
Correct Answer
UCLA (University of California - Los Angeles)
UCLA
University of California
University of California- Los Angeles
Explanation
Jared Diamond is a professor of geography at UCLA (University of California - Los Angeles). UCLA is a well-known university located in Los Angeles, California. Therefore, it is reasonable to assume that Jared Diamond's affiliation is with UCLA.
26.
What chemical was eradicated from almond genomes in order for early farmers to domesticate them?
Correct Answer
C. Amygdalin
Explanation
Amygdalin is the correct answer because it is a chemical compound found in almonds that releases cyanide when metabolized. Early farmers likely selectively bred almond trees to reduce the levels of amygdalin in order to make almonds safe for consumption. By eliminating or reducing the presence of amygdalin, farmers were able to domesticate almonds and make them a viable food source.
27.
Southwest Asia has the earliest domestication dates for both plants and animals around 8000 B.C.
Correct Answer
A. True
Explanation
Southwest Asia is known as the "Cradle of Civilization" because it is where early human societies first emerged. The region, which includes modern-day countries such as Iraq, Iran, and Turkey, has a long history of agriculture and animal domestication. Evidence suggests that around 8000 B.C., people in Southwest Asia began to cultivate crops and domesticate animals, making it the earliest known site of agricultural development. Therefore, the statement that Southwest Asia has the earliest domestication dates for both plants and animals around 8000 B.C. is true.
28.
When such partly immune people came into contact with others who had no previous contact to the germs, epidemics resulted in which up to ____ % of the previously unexposed population was killed.
Correct Answer
99
ninety-nine
ninety nine
Explanation
When individuals who have some level of immunity to a particular germ come into contact with others who have never been exposed to it, epidemics can occur. These epidemics can be severe, resulting in the death of a significant percentage of the previously unexposed population. In this case, the correct answer is 99, which can also be expressed as ninety-nine or ninety nine.
29.
Which element is used by archeologists to date food production?
Correct Answer
A. Carbon
Explanation
Carbon is used by archaeologists to date food production because it is an essential component of organic matter. Carbon-14 dating, also known as radiocarbon dating, is a method used to determine the age of ancient artifacts and organic materials. This technique relies on the fact that carbon-14, a radioactive isotope of carbon, decays over time. By measuring the ratio of carbon-14 to carbon-12 in a sample, archaeologists can estimate the age of the material. Since food is derived from organic sources, carbon dating can be used to determine when food production began.
30.
The Black Death killed one half of Europe’s population from 1346 to 1352.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because the Black Death did not kill one half of Europe's population from 1346 to 1352. While the Black Death was a devastating pandemic that caused significant loss of life, it is estimated to have killed around 25 million people, which was roughly one-third of Europe's population at the time. Therefore, the statement is an exaggeration and false.
31.
Diseases represent in progress, and microbes adapt by to new hosts and vectors.
Correct Answer
evolution
natural selection
evolution natural selection
evolution, natural selection
Explanation
Diseases represent a process of evolution, where microbes adapt to new hosts and vectors. This adaptation is driven by natural selection, as microbes that are better suited to their environment are more likely to survive and reproduce. Therefore, both evolution and natural selection play a role in the ability of diseases to persist and spread.
32.
Which of the following factors are likely to increase the rapid spread of epidemic diseases?
Correct Answer
D. All of the above
Explanation
Large, dense populations, proximity to other species, and irrigation agriculture are all factors that are likely to increase the rapid spread of epidemic diseases. Large, dense populations provide a higher number of potential hosts for the disease to spread to. Proximity to other species increases the chances of cross-species transmission of diseases. Irrigation agriculture can create breeding grounds for disease-carrying vectors, such as mosquitoes. Therefore, all of these factors contribute to the increased spread of epidemic diseases.
33.
Which of the following human diseases is NOT derived from a disease of cattle?
Correct Answer
C. AIDS
Explanation
AIDS is not derived from a disease of cattle. It is caused by the Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), which is believed to have originated from primates, particularly chimpanzees. The virus was transmitted to humans through the consumption of bushmeat or through contact with infected blood. In contrast, measles, tuberculosis, and smallpox all have animal origins, including cattle. Measles is derived from rinderpest virus, tuberculosis from Mycobacterium bovis, and smallpox from the variola virus, which is closely related to cowpox.
34.
________ represent evolution in progress.
Correct Answer
Disease
Diseases
Explanation
The term "disease" refers to a specific medical condition or illness, while "diseases" is the plural form of "disease" and refers to multiple medical conditions or illnesses. Both "disease" and "diseases" represent evolution in progress because the field of medicine is constantly evolving and new diseases are being discovered or better understood. Additionally, the study and treatment of diseases also evolve over time as new treatments, medications, and technologies are developed.
35.
Many germs have had to evolve tricks to let them spread between potential victims and many of those tricks we experience as ___________________________.
Correct Answer
symptoms
symptoms of disease
symptoms of diseases
Explanation
Germs have evolved various strategies to spread between potential hosts, and these strategies often manifest as symptoms. Symptoms can include physical manifestations like fever, coughing, and fatigue, as well as other signs of illness. Therefore, experiencing symptoms is a common outcome when germs employ their tricks to spread and infect individuals.
36.
“All those military histories glorifying great generals oversimplify the ego-deflating truth: the winners of past wars were not always the armies with the best ____________ and ______________ , but were often merely those bearing the nastiest _________ to transmit to their enemies.”
Correct Answer
generals
weapons
germs
guns
steel
generals weapons germs
generals, weapons, germs
generals, guns, germs
Explanation
The correct answer is generals, weapons, germs. This is because the sentence states that the winners of past wars were not always the armies with the best generals and weapons, but often those who had the nastiest germs to transmit to their enemies. This implies that the use of germs as a weapon played a significant role in determining the outcome of the wars. The mention of guns and steel in the answer choices is not supported by the information given in the sentence.
37.
Germs acted solely to Europeans’ advantage.
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
This statement is false because germs do not act solely to Europeans' advantage. While it is true that European colonization and expansion was facilitated by the unintentional spread of diseases to indigenous populations, it is incorrect to say that germs only benefited Europeans. The spread of diseases had devastating consequences for indigenous populations, leading to widespread death and population decline. This had long-lasting effects on their societies, cultures, and power dynamics. Therefore, the statement is false as it oversimplifies the complex impact of germs on different populations.
38.
___________ tend to breathe out nastier germs, to own better weapons and armor, to own more powerful technology in general, and to live under centralized governments with literate elites better able t wage wars of conquest..
Correct Answer
Farmers
Explanation
Farmers tend to breathe out nastier germs due to their close proximity to animals and their exposure to various bacteria and viruses. They also tend to own better weapons and armor as they need to protect their livestock and crops from predators. Additionally, farmers often have access to more powerful technology such as machinery and irrigation systems, which help them in their agricultural practices. Lastly, farmers are more likely to live under centralized governments with literate elites who can strategize and organize wars of conquest to expand their territories and resources.