Early Humans And Societies

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  • 1/44 Questions

    What would early people look for as they decided where to settle?

    • A location that is in a region
    • A location that is near a center of culture
    • A location near enough food and water
    • A location near a center of transportation
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About This Quiz

This quiz titled 'Early Humans and Societies' explores historical methodologies and the impact of environmental factors on societies. It assesses understanding of archaeology, historiography, and primary sources, emphasizing the development of analytical skills relevant to historical inquiry.

History Quizzes & Trivia

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  • 2. 

    History shapes our identity and teaches us the _________________________ that we share.  (values or regions)

    Explanation
    History shapes our identity and teaches us the values that we share. Throughout history, different societies and cultures have developed their own set of values, beliefs, and principles that guide their actions and interactions. By studying history, we can learn about the values that have shaped our past and understand how they have influenced our present identity. This knowledge helps us to better understand ourselves and others, fostering empathy, tolerance, and respect for different perspectives. It allows us to recognize the common values that bind us together as human beings, promoting unity and cooperation in a diverse world.

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  • 3. 

    Sometimes, archaeologists  carefully reconstruct __________________________ from hundreds of broken pieces of a statue, for example.  (artifacts or fossils)

    Explanation
    Archaeologists carefully reconstruct artifacts from hundreds of broken pieces of a statue. This process involves piecing together the fragments to recreate the original object, allowing researchers to gain insights into the past. By studying artifacts, archaeologists can learn about ancient civilizations, their culture, technology, and daily life. Examples of artifacts include pottery, tools, weapons, jewelry, and artwork.

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  • 4. 

    A mountain range creates two different ___________________.  (climates or landforms)

    Explanation
    A mountain range creates two different climates because as air rises over the mountains, it cools and condenses, leading to the formation of clouds and precipitation on one side of the range. This side, known as the windward side, experiences more rainfall and cooler temperatures. On the other side of the mountains, known as the leeward side, the air descends and warms, resulting in drier conditions and warmer temperatures. Therefore, the presence of a mountain range can significantly influence the distribution of rainfall and temperature, creating distinct climates on either side.

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  • 5. 

    Every place on earth has a specific ______________.  (region or location)

    Explanation
    This question is asking for the term that describes the specific characteristic of every place on earth. The correct answer is "location" because it refers to the specific position or site of something. In the context of the question, "location" is the most appropriate term to describe the specific characteristic of a place on earth.

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  • 6. 

    Ancient Egyptians believed that the Nile River was a ____________________.  (culture or god)

    Explanation
    Ancient Egyptians believed that the Nile River was a god. The Nile River was considered to be a deity because it played a crucial role in the lives of the Egyptians. It provided them with water for drinking, irrigation for agriculture, and transportation for trade. The Nile was seen as a life-giving force, and the Egyptians worshiped it as a god. They believed that the river had its own personality and could bring both blessings and destruction. The Nile god was often depicted as a man with a headdress made of reeds, symbolizing the river's fertility and abundance.

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  • 7. 

    To study prehistory, historians rely on the work of archaeologists and ___________________________________ .  (anthropologists or Australopithecus)

    Explanation
    To study prehistory, historians rely on the work of archaeologists and anthropologists. Anthropologists specialize in studying human societies, cultures, and behavior, which is crucial in understanding the social and cultural aspects of prehistoric societies. They analyze artifacts, human remains, and other archaeological evidence to gain insights into the lives of ancient peoples. By collaborating with archaeologists, anthropologists contribute their expertise in interpreting the social and cultural context of prehistoric sites, providing valuable information for historians to reconstruct and understand the past. Therefore, anthropologists play a vital role in helping historians study prehistory.

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  • 8. 

    Simple tools like _______________________ were  used for about 2-million years.  (choppers or processor)

    Explanation
    Simple tools like choppers were used for about 2-million years. Choppers were basic stone tools that were used by early humans for various purposes such as cutting, chopping, and scraping. They were made by striking one stone against another to create a sharp edge. These tools were essential for early humans to perform everyday tasks like hunting, gathering, and preparing food. The longevity of their use for 2-million years indicates their effectiveness and importance in early human societies.

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  • 9. 

    Land bridges allowed for ________________________ Age people to move around the world.  (Stone or Middle Stone)

  • 10. 

    By 9000 BC, people lived on all continents except ____________________________.  (Africa or Antarctica)

    Explanation
    By 9000 BC, people lived on all continents except Antarctica. Antarctica was uninhabited by humans during this time period due to its extreme cold temperatures, harsh climate, and lack of accessible resources for survival. The continent's remote location and isolation also made it difficult for early humans to reach and establish settlements there. Therefore, while people had managed to inhabit all other continents by 9000 BC, Antarctica remained untouched by human civilization.

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  • 11. 

    Using large animals greatly improved the ability of people to ______________________________.  (farm or gather)

    Explanation
    Using large animals greatly improved the ability of people to farm. Large animals such as horses or oxen can be used for plowing fields, pulling heavy loads, and transporting goods. Their strength and endurance made tasks easier and more efficient, allowing people to cultivate larger areas of land and increase agricultural productivity. This advancement in farming techniques led to the development of settled communities and the ability to sustain larger populations.

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  • 12. 

    People have been making maps for over 4,000 years.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    This statement is true because evidence of maps being created dates back to ancient civilizations such as the Babylonians and Egyptians. These early maps were often simplistic and focused on specific regions, but they still demonstrate the long history of mapmaking. Over the course of thousands of years, maps have evolved and become more accurate and detailed, reflecting advancements in technology and knowledge. Therefore, it is accurate to say that people have been making maps for over 4,000 years.

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  • 13. 

    What effect did the invention of tools have on early humans?

    • They required humans to stand close to animals when hunting

    • They increased chances for survival

    • They decreased chances for survival

    • They allowed more animals to graze the fields

    Correct Answer
    A. They increased chances for survival
    Explanation
    The invention of tools had a positive impact on early humans by increasing their chances for survival. Tools enabled humans to perform tasks more efficiently, such as hunting and gathering food. With the ability to make and use tools, early humans could better defend themselves against predators, obtain food more easily, and adapt to different environments. This increased their chances of survival and ultimately contributed to the development and progress of human civilization.

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  • 14. 

    Early people believed in gods such as the thunder god.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The statement suggests that early people believed in gods like the thunder god. This implies that they had a belief system that included deities and supernatural beings. Therefore, the answer "True" is correct as it aligns with the information provided in the statement.

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  • 15. 

    One way prehistoric people adapted to their environment was to create tools to process food.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    Prehistoric people adapted to their environment by creating tools to process food. This allowed them to efficiently hunt, gather, and prepare food, which was essential for their survival. These tools could have included stone knives, spears, and grinding stones, among others. By developing these tools, prehistoric people were able to increase their chances of finding and obtaining food, which ultimately helped them thrive in their environment.

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  • 16. 

    An archaeologist would most likely explore:

    • A mountain range that forms a border of a geographic region

    • A forest or other unpopulated area

    • The site of an ancient battle

    • Data about climate in a region

    Correct Answer
    A. The site of an ancient battle
    Explanation
    An archaeologist would most likely explore the site of an ancient battle because it is a location that holds historical significance and can provide valuable insights into past civilizations, warfare techniques, and cultural practices. By studying the artifacts, weapons, and remains found at the battle site, archaeologists can reconstruct the events that took place, understand the strategies employed, and gain a deeper understanding of the societies involved. This exploration can contribute to our knowledge of history and shed light on the social, political, and cultural dynamics of the time period.

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  • 17. 

    Which of the following would a historian be least interested in?

    • The bones of a group of people

    • The knowledge of a group of people

    • The beliefs of a group of people

    • The customs of a group of people

    Correct Answer
    A. The bones of a group of people
    Explanation
    A historian would be least interested in the bones of a group of people because bones do not provide direct insight into the historical knowledge, beliefs, or customs of a group. Historians typically focus on studying written records, artifacts, and other forms of evidence that can provide information about the past. While bones can be important in fields such as archaeology or physical anthropology, they may not be as relevant to a historian's specific research interests.

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  • 18. 

    What is the effect of climate on plant growth?

    • Plants that grow on certain kinds of landforms do not need climate

    • Plants grow best where there is climate

    • Climate effects the temperature and amount of water plants will have

    • Plants create their own climate depending on where they grow

    Correct Answer
    A. Climate effects the temperature and amount of water plants will have
    Explanation
    The correct answer is that climate affects the temperature and amount of water plants will have. Climate plays a crucial role in plant growth as it determines the availability of sunlight, temperature, and precipitation. Different plants have specific temperature and moisture requirements, and climate influences the overall conditions in which plants thrive. For example, plants in arid regions have adapted to survive with minimal water, while plants in tropical rainforests require high levels of rainfall. Therefore, climate directly impacts the temperature and water availability, which in turn affects plant growth.

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  • 19. 

    The essential resources used by early peoples were:

    • Water, animals and fertile land

    • Water, copper and animals

    • Copper, gold and fertile land

    • Iron, copper and water

    Correct Answer
    A. Water, animals and fertile land
    Explanation
    Early peoples relied on water, animals, and fertile land as essential resources for their survival. Water was necessary for drinking, irrigation, and transportation. Animals provided food, clothing, and tools for hunting and farming. Fertile land allowed for the cultivation of crops and the establishment of settlements. These resources were crucial for early peoples to meet their basic needs and develop their societies.

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  • 20. 

    Which of the following defines homo erectus?

    • Thinking man

    • Modern man

    • Wise man

    • Upright man

    Correct Answer
    A. Upright man
    Explanation
    Homo erectus is defined as an "upright man" because the term "erectus" refers to the species' ability to walk fully upright on two legs. This distinguishes Homo erectus from earlier hominid species, who primarily walked on all fours or in a more hunched position. The ability to walk upright is considered a significant evolutionary adaptation that allowed Homo erectus to have greater mobility and access to different environments, contributing to their success as a species.

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  • 21. 

    What is the difference between a primary source and an artifact?

    • Primary sources are studied by archaeologists; artifacts are studied by historians

    • Primary sources are written sources; artifacts are objects

    • Primary sources are made by people; artifacts are made by machines

    • Primary sources are studied by historians;

    Correct Answer
    A. Primary sources are written sources; artifacts are objects
    Explanation
    The correct answer is "Primary sources are written sources; artifacts are objects." This answer accurately distinguishes between primary sources and artifacts based on their nature. Primary sources refer to written documents or records that provide firsthand information about a particular event or time period. On the other hand, artifacts are physical objects or items that were created or used by people in the past. This explanation clearly highlights the difference between the two terms, focusing on the medium of information (written vs. physical) they provide.

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  • 22. 

    History helps you understand how today's events are shaped by the events of the future.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    This statement is incorrect. History helps us understand how today's events are shaped by the events of the past, not the future. By studying past events, we can gain insights into the causes and consequences of certain actions, which can inform our understanding of the present. Understanding history allows us to learn from past mistakes and successes, and make more informed decisions in the present.

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  • 23. 

    The first human-made shelters, called pit houses, were pits in the ground with roofs of branches and leaves.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    The first human-made shelters were called pit houses, which were essentially pits dug into the ground with roofs made of branches and leaves. This type of shelter was commonly used by early humans as a form of protection from the elements and predators. They were simple yet effective structures that provided a basic level of comfort and safety. Therefore, the statement that the first human-made shelters were pit houses with roofs of branches and leaves is true.

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  • 24. 

    If a country wanted to make a better government, what would be the best piece of information to use to start?

    • Fossils from the country

    • Documents from leaders of the country in the past

    • Maps about the country from 200 years ago

    • Artifacts from the country that show different cultures

    Correct Answer
    A. Documents from leaders of the country in the past
    Explanation
    To make a better government, the best piece of information to start with would be documents from leaders of the country in the past. These documents can provide valuable insights into the governance systems, policies, and decision-making processes that were followed by previous leaders. By studying these documents, the country can learn from past successes and failures, identify areas for improvement, and potentially adopt or adapt effective strategies for better governance. This historical perspective can provide a solid foundation for building a better government in the present and future.

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  • 25. 

    Which of the following statements best summarizes why people learned how to make clothes and build shelters after migrating out of Africa?

    • They needed to trade cloth with other merchants

    • They needed more protection to survive in colder areas

    • They needed less protection to survive in warmer areas

    • They needed to trade living spaces with others

    Correct Answer
    A. They needed more protection to survive in colder areas
    Explanation
    After migrating out of Africa, people learned how to make clothes and build shelters because they needed more protection to survive in colder areas. This suggests that the colder climate in their new environment required them to adapt and find ways to keep warm and protect themselves from the elements.

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  • 26. 

    Which of the following best defines a land bridge?

    • Mammoth bones laid out over a body of water

    • A mountain range beside a body of water

    • A strip of land connecting two continents

    • A strip of coast along a rocky shore

    Correct Answer
    A. A strip of land connecting two continents
    Explanation
    A land bridge is a strip of land that connects two continents. It serves as a physical connection between two land masses that are otherwise separated by water. This land bridge allows for the migration of plants, animals, and even humans between the two continents. It can have significant ecological and historical importance, as it can influence the distribution of species and facilitate cultural exchange between different regions.

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  • 27. 

    What effect did farming have on people in the Stone Age?

    • It allowed them to build permanent settlements

    • It allowed them to travel

    • It allowed them to paint caves

    • It allowed them to hunt animals

    Correct Answer
    A. It allowed them to build permanent settlements
    Explanation
    Farming in the Stone Age allowed people to build permanent settlements because they no longer needed to constantly move in search of food. With the ability to cultivate crops and domesticate animals, they could establish settled communities and develop more complex social structures. This shift from a nomadic lifestyle to a sedentary one had a profound impact on their way of life, leading to advancements in agriculture, architecture, and societal organization.

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  • 28. 

    A historian's work includes all of the following:

    • Turning ancient discoveries into modern technology

    • Teaching and learning about culture and identity

    • Studying and interpreting history

    • Making predictions about the future based on the past

    Correct Answer
    A. Turning ancient discoveries into modern technology
    Explanation
    A historian's work involves studying and interpreting history, teaching and learning about culture and identity, and making predictions about the future based on the past. However, the specific task mentioned in the answer, turning ancient discoveries into modern technology, is not typically a part of a historian's work. Historians primarily focus on researching and analyzing historical events and their significance. The process of turning ancient discoveries into modern technology is usually carried out by archaeologists, scientists, engineers, or other specialists in their respective fields.

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  • 29. 

    People in the ancient world built huge temples and discovered planets.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. True
    Explanation
    In the ancient world, people did indeed build huge temples as religious and cultural centers. These temples were often grand and magnificent structures, showcasing the architectural and engineering prowess of the civilization. Additionally, ancient civilizations such as the Mesopotamians, Egyptians, and Greeks made significant contributions to astronomy and were able to observe and track the movements of planets and celestial bodies. Their observations and discoveries laid the foundation for our understanding of the solar system today. Therefore, the statement that people in the ancient world built huge temples and discovered planets is true.

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  • 30. 

    Where are some of California's most populated areas located?

    • In places that have a marine climate

    • Near the Pacific Ocean and major rivers

    • In the far northern part of the state

    • In the Sierra Nevada Mountains

    Correct Answer
    A. Near the Pacific Ocean and major rivers
    Explanation
    California's most populated areas are located near the Pacific Ocean and major rivers. This is because these areas offer favorable conditions for human settlement, such as access to water resources, transportation routes, and economic opportunities. The proximity to the Pacific Ocean also provides a moderate climate, which attracts a large population. Additionally, major rivers in California, such as the Sacramento and San Joaquin, support agriculture and provide water for irrigation, further contributing to the population concentration in these areas.

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  • 31. 

    Why is the study of ancient bones important to us today?

    • The study of ancient bones gives us information about our human ancestors

    • Ancient bones are the only source of information about early peoples for archaeologists

    • Ancient bones help develop better forms of agriculture

    • Ancient bones help develop modern technologies

    Correct Answer
    A. The study of ancient bones gives us information about our human ancestors
    Explanation
    The study of ancient bones is important to us today because it provides valuable information about our human ancestors. By examining ancient bones, scientists and archaeologists can learn about the physical characteristics, lifestyles, and behaviors of early humans. This knowledge helps us understand our evolutionary history and provides insights into how our species has developed over time. Additionally, studying ancient bones can also provide clues about ancient diseases, diets, and cultural practices, shedding light on the lives of our ancestors and helping us better understand our own place in the world.

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  • 32. 

    What was important about Donald Johanson's discovery of Lucy in 1974?

    • It proved that hominids used tools

    • It proved that hominids lived in East Africa 5,000 years ago

    • It pointed to a hominid's ability to walk upright

    • It was the first discovery of ancient bones

    Correct Answer
    A. It pointed to a hominid's ability to walk upright
    Explanation
    Donald Johanson's discovery of Lucy in 1974 was important because it pointed to a hominid's ability to walk upright. This discovery provided significant evidence for the theory of bipedalism in early hominids and contributed to our understanding of human evolution. Lucy's skeletal structure, specifically her pelvic bones and knee joints, indicated that she walked upright on two legs, which is a defining characteristic of humans. This finding challenged previous beliefs about hominid locomotion and had a profound impact on the field of paleoanthropology.

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  • 33. 

    People in the New Stone Age had a different relationship to plants and animals due primarily to:

    • Climate changes and human innovation

    • Migration patterns

    • Religious beliefs and fire control

    • Barbarian invasions

    Correct Answer
    A. Climate changes and human innovation
    Explanation
    During the New Stone Age, people had a different relationship with plants and animals primarily because of climate changes and human innovation. Climate changes would have affected the availability and distribution of certain plants and animals, forcing people to adapt and find new ways to obtain food and resources. Human innovation, such as the development of agriculture and domestication of animals, would have also played a significant role in shaping their relationship with plants and animals. These innovations allowed for more efficient food production and a more controlled and sustainable use of resources.

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  • 34. 

    Which of the following best defines a megalith?

    • Huge stones used as monuments

    • A temple made of wood

    • A large mammal that lives in the Asian tundra

    • A ruler or king of an ancient kingdom

    Correct Answer
    A. Huge stones used as monuments
    Explanation
    A megalith is defined as huge stones used as monuments. This term refers to the construction of large stones or boulders that are arranged in a specific way to create a structure or monument. These structures are often found in ancient civilizations and can serve various purposes such as burial sites, ceremonial sites, or markers of important locations. The use of megaliths as monuments is a common practice in many different cultures around the world.

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  • 35. 

    A secondary source is written by someone who took part in the events described.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    A secondary source is not written by someone who took part in the events described. It is a source that analyzes, interprets, or evaluates primary sources or firsthand accounts of events. Secondary sources provide a perspective or commentary on the events, often based on research and analysis of primary sources. Therefore, the statement that a secondary source is written by someone who took part in the events described is false.

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  • 36. 

    The language and religion of a people are physical features of a region.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The language and religion of a people are not physical features of a region. Physical features refer to the natural characteristics of a place, such as landforms, climate, and vegetation. Language and religion are cultural aspects that are not directly tied to the physical environment. They are social constructs that can vary within a region and change over time.

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  • 37. 

    History Makers One way to study history is to study the "big names" of the past, the people whose lives and actions shaped the times and places in which they lived.  In this passage from a collection of essays, historian Barbara W. Tuchman explains why some historians focus their attention on such people.   "They are the captains and kings, and fanatics, traitors, rogues and villains, pathfinders and explorers, thinkers and creators, even, occasionally, heroes.  They are significant-if not necessarily admirable...they matter.  The are the actors, not the acted upon and are consequently that much more interesting."                                   - Barbara W. Tuchman, from Practicing History: Selected Essays Why does the author think the people she discusses are interesting?

    • They write books about history

    • They do things that are remembered

    • They obey the laws of their societies

    • The author knows more about those people

    Correct Answer
    A. They do things that are remembered
    Explanation
    The author thinks the people she discusses are interesting because they do things that are remembered. This means that these individuals have made significant contributions or had a lasting impact on their societies or the world. They are not just passive individuals, but rather active agents who shape history through their actions and decisions.

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  • 38. 

    The study of the past based on what people left behind:

    • Migrate

    • Agriculture

    • Archaeology

    • History

    • Ancestor

    Correct Answer
    A. Archaeology
    Explanation
    Archaeology is the study of the past based on what people left behind, such as artifacts, buildings, and other physical remains. It involves excavating and analyzing these materials to understand human history, culture, and behavior. Unlike history, which relies on written records, archaeology focuses on the material evidence left by past civilizations. By studying these artifacts, archaeologists can reconstruct ancient societies, their daily lives, and their relationships with the environment.

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  • 39. 

    Which of the following is an example of a physical feature?

    • The language that people speak in a region

    • A center of population

    • Symbols on a map

    • A desert

    Correct Answer
    A. A desert
    Explanation
    A desert is an example of a physical feature because it is a natural landform that can be observed and measured. It is a large, barren area of land with little to no vegetation, and it is characterized by extreme temperatures and lack of water. Unlike the other options, which are more related to human activities or cultural aspects, a desert is purely a physical characteristic of the Earth's surface.

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  • 40. 

    Early people learned about fire from rubbing two rocks together.

    • True

    • False

    Correct Answer
    A. False
    Explanation
    The statement is false because early people did not learn about fire from rubbing two rocks together. The discovery of fire is believed to have been accidental, possibly from lightning strikes or volcanic activity. Once discovered, early humans learned to control and use fire for various purposes such as cooking food and providing warmth. Rubbing two rocks together may have been a method used to create sparks and ignite fire, but it was not the origin of fire itself.

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  • 41. 

    Which statement best defines the Neolithic Revolution?

    • Major battle fought between people of Asia and Africa

    • The shift from food gathering to food producing

    • The shift from food gathering to hunting

    • Major battle fought between the peoples of Asia

    Correct Answer
    A. The shift from food gathering to food producing
    Explanation
    The Neolithic Revolution refers to the transition from a nomadic lifestyle of hunting and gathering to settled farming and agriculture. This shift allowed humans to domesticate plants and animals, leading to the development of permanent settlements and the establishment of agricultural societies. It marked a significant turning point in human history, as it led to the development of more complex social structures, the rise of civilizations, and the beginning of the agricultural revolution.

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  • 42. 

    How did farming change societies?  Answers must be at least 3-sentences.

  • 43. 

    Describe the main concerns and interests of historians.  Answers must be at least 3-sentences.

  • 44. 

    How are geography and history related?  Answers must beat least 3-sentences.

Quiz Review Timeline (Updated): Mar 17, 2023 +

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  • Current Version
  • Mar 17, 2023
    Quiz Edited by
    ProProfs Editorial Team
  • Feb 05, 2014
    Quiz Created by
    Kevin Jones
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