OCN 105: EXAM #4

Match the Han invention to the area of society that it improved. A. Science B. Industry C. Agriculture D. Warfare 1. iron fish-scale armor and the kite 2. a foot-powered machine for silk production and a modified bamboo pole for mining salt 3. the chain pump and the wheelbarrow 4. the seismograph and the magnetic compass

1:D, 2:B, 3:C, 4:A

Several factors may have made Rapa Nui particularly susceptible to deforestation. Match the island attribute with its primary impact on the degree of deforestation according to Diamond. A. reduced soil fertility B. reduced growth rate and seedling establishment C. more area suitable for farming 1. dry climate 2. cold high-latitude 3. old volcanic island 4. no aerial ash fallout 5. far from Central Asia's dust plume 6. without makatea rock 7. low topography 8. small island

Answer Key: 1:B, 2:B, 3:A, 4:A, 5:A, 6:C, 7:C, 8:C Feedback:A dry, cold high latitude climate reduced the growth rate of trees and seedling establishment, slowing regrowth after clearings. Old volcanic soil with the ash or dust fallout reduced the nutrients and thus fertility of the soil. The low topography, small island without harsh makatea rock meant that more of the land could be cleared for farming in a short time. An additional aspect that Diamond mentioned was that the island was remote so more of the islanders' time was focused on using resources and clearing the forest than traveling, raiding, or settling other islands.

Select all that apply. Despite the unequal distribution of wealth, the Roman empire had high levels of production, consumption, and general well-being, as evidenced by A. public buildings B. meat consumption C. mining and metallurgy D. wages outpaced rent E. slave labor F. market trade

Answer Key: A, B, C, D, E, F Feedback: All of the answers are indicators of productivity, consumption, and general well-being. The reading argues that the existence of slave labor meant that the poor class still had enough money that slave labor was cheaper.

In the early centuries before the 1600s, what was the most common meat source for the Rapanui (the people of Rapa Nui) according to Diamond? A. dolphins B. rats C. chickens D. pigs E. fish F. native birds

Answer Key:A Feedback:Notably, the primary meat source for the Rapanui was the Common Dolphin, a porpoise, which they would have to harpoon from seafaring canoes. Eating rats was also fairly common and chicken houses became exceedingly common after the 1600s.

Who were the original settlers of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)? A. Polynesian voyagers sailing canoes B. Voyagers from the Inca Empire in South America C. Stranded extraterrestrials D. Direct descendants of Egyptians

Answer Key:A Feedback:The original settlers were Polynesian voyagers. Legend names the original chief Hotu Matu'a and his family, who were master navigators and likely used natural cues such as seabird populations to locate the island. There are multiple lines of evidence: the language, bone structure, DNA, agricultural methods and crops, tools, and domesticated animals were all similar to other Polynesian peoples.

What was the most important product to Han trade? A. silk B. iron C. rice D. salt

Answer Key:A Feedback:While advancements were made in iron metallurgy, ridge and furrow agriculture, and salt mining, the Han Dynasty maintained a monopoly on silk production. Silk was coveted by the Romans and the famous trade route through Parthia is called the Silk Road. Printing patterns on rolls of silk cloth even led to the first printing press.

Select all that apply. The primary blows to the preservation of Rapa Nui culture were A. Population decimation by European diseases B. Blackbirding C. Catholic conversion D. Ecocide

Answer Key:A, B, C Feedback:Reconsidering the evidence, ecocide likely never occurred on Rapa Nui. As explained by the Rapanui historian Christian Moreno Pakarati in the "Post European Contact" video, blackbirding (kidnapping islanders for forced labor in foreign countries) and Catholic missionary conversion were the parallel forces that ultimately killed Rapanui culture after the population decimation by European diseases.

What lines of evidence refute Diamond's hypothesis that the Rapa Nui society suffered and collapsed from self-inflicted environmental degradation, a so-called 'ecocide?' Select all that apply. A. The mo'ai were laid down carefully and precisely over burial sites, not toppled by angry warring clans. B. Obsidian tools were not used as spears in warfare, but rather to cut plants, particularly sweet potato and taro. C. The carved figurines were likely in reverence to the skeleton shape rather than to depict starving people, since they were crafted in the 1400s. D. At the time of first European contact, the island was still largely forested.

Answer Key:A, B, C Feedback:These lines of evidence are explained in the "Review of the Evidence" video. At the time of first European contact, the Rapanui seemed to be thriving although the forests had been cleared.

Infectious diseases were the leading cause of death during the Roman Empire. Multiple pandemics (smallpox, ebola, bubonic) swept across the Empire (and world), including the Antonine and Justinian. What catalyzed the outbreak of diseases in this time period? Select all that apply. A. Global trade routes B. Rodents (black rats in particular) living near humans because of grain storage C. Urbanized densely packed cities D. Interconnected cities within the empire

Answer Key:A, B, C, D Feedback:A civilization with interconnected, densely packed cities and global trade routes facilitated the mobilization of disease-causing pathogens. As we discussed previously, agricultural society inherently increases the spread of diseases. A sedentary lifestyle with permanent structures and grain storage leads to living closely with animals, particularly rodents and insects.

Select all that apply. Unlike the Romans, the Han Empire A. officials were chosen based on their ability and knowledge rather than social status B. most people spoke the same language and standardized writing C. allowed women to file charges against men in court D. was primarily a Humid Subtropical climate E. funded science as well as technology

Answer Key:A, B, C, D, E Feedback:All of the answers are correct. These differences led to distinct government styles and sustainability of the Empire.

Select all that apply. What factors contributed to the migration of Ancestral Puebloans south into present-day Arizona and New Mexico? A. Dependence on agriculture B. More reliable monsoons farther south C. A megadrought in the late 13th century D. Changes in cultural practices, possibly religious E. Population growth, especially in villages F. Increased incidences of warfare

Answer Key:A, B, C, D, E, F Feedback:As hypothesized, all of these factors contributed to the abandonment of the Mesa Verde region and movement south. Population growth, especially in villages, increased the dependence on agriculture and corresponded with increased incidences of warfare. This made the society more susceptible to outside pressures, such as drought. A drought did occur in the late 13th century corresponding with the abandonment and migration south. They may have traveled south to an area where the monsoons were more reliable. However, it seems unlikely that drought was the only big factor since an exceedingly wet period followed the drought in 1300-1340 CE, yet people did not return north. Changes in cultural practices, possibly religious, may also have played an important role in the migration.

Diamond claims that the Rapa Nui deforestation is "the most extreme example of forest destruction in the Pacific." What were the trees likely used for? Select all that apply. A. Tapa clothing using bark B. Burned for firewood or cremation C. Wood ladders and ropes to transport mo'ai D. House thatching, baskets, mats, and boat sails using palm fronds E. To build seagoing canoes and harpoons F. Wine, honey, or sugar using sap

Answer Key:A, B, C, D, E, F Feedback:In addition to the world's largest palm tree species, the Rapa Nui forest was diverse and provided many resources and services. The Rapanui cut down the trees for these purposes and also cleared the forest for farmland.

Select all that apply. What facilitated the explosion of commerce in the Roman empire? A. ceramic containers to transport liquids, particularly wine and olive oil B. a credit system C. eradication of piracy at sea D. the umbrella of Roman law which reduced transaction costs E. safe port facilities in the Mediterranean Sea F. ships were larger and faster than ever before G. a common currency

Answer Key:A, B, C, D, E, F, G Feedback: All of the answers facilitated transport and trade. Ship-based transport was faster and safer. Since the entire area was controlled by the Roman laws, there was one currency and reduced transaction costs. Market trade was supported by a credit system and the trade of wine and olive oil.

According to Diamond, what environmental attributes of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) limited food resources? Select all that apply. A. Limited freshwater B. Limited rainfall C. Porous volcanic soil D. Hot climate E. Windy climate F. No coral reefs G. Fewer fish species

Answer Key:A, B, C, E, F, G Feedback:The climate was actually cooler than most Polynesian islands which prevented the growth of certain crops. The wind, limited rainfall and freshwater, and porous soil made agriculture more challenging.

Select all that apply. How did archeologists differentiate artifacts left by the Ancestral Puebloan and the Hohokam who lived on the same land before the Ancestral Puebloan peoples? A. Distinct patterned pottery B. Rectangular kivas C. Obsidian arrowheads D. Stone building materials

Answer Key:A, B, D Feedback:The article discusses the distinct Ancestral Puebloan Salado polychrome pottery which is reddish on the outside and black and white patterned on the inside. They also used stone building materials whereas the Hohokam used sticks and mud. Furthermore, the Ancestral Puebloans built kivas which were rectangular instead of round, with a stone bench along the inside perimeter, a central hearth and a sipapu, or spirit hole, symbolizing the passage through which the first people emerged from mother earth.

What are the benefits of lithic mulch agriculture (pu)? Select all that apply. A. Retaining moisture B. Reducing evaporation from the sun and wind C. Increasing soil temperature during the day D. Reducing soil temperature at night E. Leaching minerals for fertilizer F. Reducing erosion

Answer Key:A, B, E, F Feedback:The rocks actually keep the soil cooler during the day and warmer at night, so the benefit is reducing soil temperature during the day and increasing soil temperature at night.

Rapa Nui was divided into territories with competing clans who were distinct and independent religiously, economically, and politically and did not share resources. TrueFalse

Answer Key:False Feedback:While Rapa Nui was divided into a dozen or so territories, the competing clans were integrated religiously, economically, and politically with centralized leadership. In addition, there is evidence that they did negotiate access to each other's resources. Transportation of mo'ai statues in particular required cooperation.

Which of the following statements are true? Select all that apply. A. Peak Roman population was 75 million or a quarter of all humanity. B. Roman agriculture and resources could not keep up with population growth so most citizens were impoverished and starving. C. The foundation of Roman wealth and prosperity was military conquest and agriculture. D. Roman technological progress was marked by one radical invention of the water mill.

Answer Key:A, C Feedback:Roman technological progress is characterized by many small advancements in technology, particularly in agriculture, rather than one revolutionary or radical new invention. Despite such a large population size, Romans did not outgrow the available resources. (One exception is in Egypt where Romans impoverished Egyptians by monopolizing and taxing grain production).

Each controlling roughly half of the world's population, both the Roman and Han Empires required extensive resources. What were some of the environmental impacts of resource extraction? Select all that apply. A. Depleting nutrients in soils by not resting crops. B. More farmland leading to increased rainfall and reduced evaporation. C. Deforestation which can be identified by atmospheric methane trapped in the bubbles of ice cores from Greenland. D. Mining heavy metals which polluted waterways and poisoned people.

Answer Key:A, C, D Feedback:Clearing forests for farmland actually led to decreased rainfall, more evaporation, and changes in wind patterns. Deforestation by the Han and Roman Empires had a global impact on methane in the atmosphere.

Select all that apply. What was unique about the Han government? A. Early Han rulers were of peasant origin and understood that the security of the empire and the livelihood of the people depended on the peasants. B. Government officials were chosen based on their social status. C. They kept taxes low for farmers and provided relief and aid for victims of natural disasters. D. They adopted a centralized government with a softer ruling style incorporating Confucian ideals of moral behavior.

Answer Key:A, C, D Feedback:Government officials were chosen based on their ability and knowledge rather than social status.

What was the impact of contact with Europeans? Select all that apply. A. Recorded the island on maps which allowed for further contact B. The introduction of slash and burn agriculture C. Spread diseases that killed up to 90% of their population D. Undermined faith in their religion and ancestors

Answer Key:A, C, D Feedback:Slash and burn clearing for agriculture was a technique used by the early Rapanui.

Select all that apply. Dendrochronology A. Was used to identify three megadrought conditions from 800-1300 CE. B. Extends climate records millions of years into the past. C. Can help determine the geographical extent of past drought events. D. Operates on the principle that trees grow one ring every year where a wider ring corresponds to a wetter year. E. Provides higher temporal resolution (more detail) than ocean sediment cores.

Answer Key:A, C, D, E Feedback:Dendrochronology is the practice of using tree rings to study the timing of events and environmental context of the past. It does operate on the principle that trees grow one ring every year (in temperate climates), where a wider ring corresponds to a wetter year. Dendrochronology can be used to determine both the timing (such as the three megadroughts from 800-1300 CE in the southwest) and the geographical extent of past drought events by coordinating records from many trees. This technique does provide higher resolution than ocean sediment cores. However, the record only extends back thousands of years (even with dead tree remnants), whereas ocean sediment core records can extend farther into the past.

Future climate scenarios for the southwest region predict that A. Hurricanes will be less frequent. B. Droughts will last longer. C. The area will be more humid. D. The core monsoon will shift farther north.

Answer Key:B Feedback:As explained in the NASA video, future climate predictions for this area suggest that droughts will last longer, 20-30 years rather than a decade. The severity will depend on how our society mitigates fossil fuel emissions and human caused climate change.

Select all that apply. Which of the following statements are true regarding Roman land reform laws? A. They led to an increase in slave labor. B. They were a response to the threat to subsistence and security by large slave-based estates which produced olive oil and wine rather than essential goods such as grain. C. They were proposed by Tiberius and Gaius and were meant to redistribute land to smaller farmers. D. They were widely supported by the senatorial order, a narrow social group that maintained positions of high command as the birthright of their class.

Answer Key:B, C Feedback: Large slave-based estates were a threat to subsistence by not producing essential food resources, displaced smaller farmers, and could spur slave rebellions. The land reform laws, proposed by Tiberius and Gaius, were widely opposed by the senators and would reduce dependence on slave labor.

Select all that apply. Which of the following statements are true regarding Ancestral Puebloan civilization? A. Different settlements were connected by an expansive river system that enabled exchange, trade, and specialization of settlements. B. They lived in an austere (harsh) high-altitude environment. C. Using irrigation, they were able to grow corn, beans, and squash. D. They lived in the core monsoon area where rainfall was most reliable from year to year.

Answer Key:B, C Feedback:Different settlements were connected by an expansive road system (not river system) that enabled exchange, trade, and specialization of settlements. They lived north of the core monsoon area, so rainfall was less reliable.

Select all that apply. How did scientists reconstruct (determine) the climate during the Ancestral Puebloan civilization? A. Time machine B. Pollen counts C. Tree rings D. Carbon isotopes

Answer Key:B, C Feedback:The article mentions tree rings and pollen in sediment cores as tools to reconstruct climate. The varying width of tree rings (the growth of the tree outward) helped scientists identify the drought in the Southwest during the last quarter of the 13th century as well as the exceedingly wet period following the drought from 1300-1340 CE. Measurements of the thickness of pollen layers, accumulating over decades on the bottom of lakes and bogs, suggest that growing seasons were shorter during the drought period so it may have been colder weather in addition to a drought.

What is true regarding the Crisis of the Third Century for the Roman and Han Empires? Select all that apply. A. Both empires fell B. Agricultural productivity was low from climate change. C. The empires fractionated into regions D. There was decentralization of power to military warlords at the frontiers. E. Hostile neighbors took advantage of the empire's instability.

Answer Key:B, C, D, E Feedback:Decentralization of power, low agricultural productivity, and invasions from hostile neighbors all contributed to the Crisis of the Third Century for the Roman and Han Empires. Both empires fractionated into regions (the Three Kingdoms for the Han and the East and West for the Roman), however the Roman Empire survived the Crisis of the Third Century. The Eastern Roman Empire survived until 1453 CE when it was conquered by the Ottoman Empire.

Select all that apply. What is true regarding the Roman Climate Optimum (RCO)? A. It resulted in consistently low Nile floods B. It coincided with the pax Romana C. It is characterized by a warmer, wetter climate D. It led to a vast expansion of usable farmland across the Empire E. It occurred because volcanic activity was higher than normal F. It can be identified by examining Beryllium isotopes in soil layers

Answer Key:B, C, D, F Feedback:Volcanic activity was actually lower than normal allowing for consistent monsoons and rainfall. The Nile floods were consistently high rather than low from the consistent rainfall. Beryllium isotopes show that the RCO is characterized by a period of stable solar irradiance that is greater than normal.

Select all that apply. What is true about the 'Late Antique Little Ice Age?' A. It was a result of fewer volcanic eruptions. B. It is a period of colder temperatures that lasted at least 150 years. C. It occurred before the Roman Climate Optimum. D. It was identified by scientists studying tree rings (dendrochronology) and ice cores.

Answer Key:B, D Feedback:Volcanic activity increased in the 530s - 540s CE. Volcanic eruptions spew reflective sulphates into the atmosphere leading to colder temperatures. This cold period is called the 'Late Antique Little Ice Age' which lasted at least 150 years. It was detected by dendrochronology and isotopes in ice cores. This was a peak in climate instability which undermined economic productivity in the agrarian (agriculture-based) society.

Which climatic events impacted both the Roman and Han Empires? A. Reduced temperatures after a massive volcanic eruption in the sixth century B. A surge in El Niño events in the fourth century C. All of the above D. The end of the Roman Climate Optimum in the second century

Answer Key:D Feedback:While the surge in El Niño events in the fourth century and the decline in temperatures after a massive volcanic eruption in the sixth century did have impacts worldwide, the Han Empire itself had already collapsed in the third century (220 CE).

The Roman government was swift to implement new technological advances to improve efficiency and agricultural production which accelerated the destruction of the environment. TrueFalse

Answer Key:False Feedback:According to the article, Romans were highly resistant to new ideas and inventions because of their dependence on slave labor. If implemented with ecological understanding and concern for the sustainability of the environment, the new technologies to improve efficiency might have strengthened and sustained the empire. However, their disregard for the environment paired with implementing new technology to alter the environment might have accelerated its destruction and the fall of the empire.

Throughout all of Roman history, Romans were proud of their ability to alter nature and deplete natural resources. TrueFalse

Answer Key:False Feedback:Although this sentiment is true for the middle and late Roman Republic and Empire which were increasingly utilitarian and willing to exploit their natural resources, the earliest Romans had worshiped nature and were prohibited from making major changes to the environment by religious taboos.

Despite political unrest and rebellions, the Han Empire experienced a stable climate and environment. TrueFalse

Answer Key:False Feedback:As explained in the reading, almost every year there was a flood, drought, infestation, or other disaster somewhere in the country. Some were so severe or widespread that they exceeded the relief capabilities of the government, and provoked rebellions when the government seemed especially incompetent. Two major natural catastrophes were widespread locust infestations and the flooding and shifting course of the Yellow (Huang He) River.

One megadrought from ~1276-1299 CE was the sole cause of the abandonment of Ancestral Puebloan land. TrueFalse

Answer Key:False Feedback:It is likely that this drought contributed to the migration. However, comparable megadroughts happened before, yet the people did not leave. And an exceedingly wet period followed, yet people did not return. A majority of the people migrated to the Hopi land which may have been worse off. There had to be more to the story than simply a bad drought.

Because of its close proximity, interisland travel was common between Rapa Nui and other Polynesian Islands such as Mangareva, Pitcairn, and Henderson. TrueFalse

Answer Key:False Feedback:Rapa Nui is ~1300 miles from the Pitcairn Islands, the closest Polynesian Islands, so it is actually quite isolated geographically. There is evidence that Rapa Nui was also isolated from contact with other islands because of the lack of pigs, dogs, certain crops, and exchange of stone tools.

In contrast to the Roman Empire, the Han Empire was not founded on military expansion and did not trade with other countries. TrueFalse

Answer Key:False Feedback:The Han dynasty was also known for its military achievements. Han emperors expanded the empire as far as present-day Korea and Vietnam. Once Central Asia was under its control, the Han established trade relationships with the West based on the silk and salt industries.

Roman land use was sustainable because they respected natural resources and only used what they needed for subsistence. TrueFalse

Answer Key:False Feedback:The Romans did not respect the natural world. They hunted whales to extinction in the Mediterranean, they mined precious metals in Spain leaving toxic pools of water that polluted rivers and towns, they slashed and burned across Europe to create agricultural fields, and they cleared massive forests for construction lumber and fuel for fires. Their population was sustained because the climate allowed for abundant and productive farmland.

Anomalously colder temperatures in the Pacific played a major role in the population collapse of the Rapanui society in the 1700s. TrueFalse

Answer Key:False Feedback:The climate was relatively stable from 1000-1700 CE for the Rapanui. Therefore climate change has currently been ruled out as a major contributor to the problems that were faced by the Rapanui.

The end of the ahu and mo'ai building period roughly coincided with the complete destruction of the palm forest around 1600. TrueFalse

Answer Key:True Feedback:According to Diamond, the environmental crisis, particularly deforestation, was exacerbated by the ahu and mo'ai building which required extensive resources. Timber and rope were used to transport and erect the ahu and mo'ai. Food resources (up to 25% more than normal) were needed to feed the workers. In turn, the environmental crisis brought political tension which led to competition between clans to build taller and larger mo'ai until there was a military coup and the resources were overexploited.

In response to the loss of forests, the Rapanui began the agricultural practices of manavai and pu. TrueFalse

Answer Key:True Feedback:The Rapanui realized that the trees had provided services as windbreaks, reducing evaporation from topsoil, and reducing soil erosion. Since the forests were cleared, they had to adapt and used stone walls (manavai) and lithic mulching (pu) to replace these services. These agricultural practices were successful in maintaining the population.

The domestication of corn and turkey made the Ancestral Puebloan peoples more dependent on agriculture and more susceptible to drought. TrueFalse

Answer Key:True Feedback:The growing complexity of the Ancestral Puebloan society including expansions in ideology, religion, politics as well as dependence on irrigation agriculture to feed an exceedingly large population are hypothesized to have made the society more fragile and more susceptible to drought.

From some combination of overhunting, deforestation, and predation by rats, every last land bird species on Rapa Nui became extinct. TrueFalse

Answer Key:True Feedback:There were at least six native land birds, which are now extinct. Diamond describes this as, "the worst catastrophe to befall Pacific island birds."

Romans benefited from seven different climate environments that could buffer any climate shocks that might lead to localized problems with productivity. Match the climate environment with its description. A. Cold Semi-Arid B. Humid Continental C. Mediterranean D. Cold Continental E. Humid Subtropical F. Desert G. Temperate Oceanic

Desert: hot summers and excessive evaporation Cold Semi-Arid: warm to hot and dry summers and cold winters Humid Subtropical: hot and humid summers and cold to mild winters Temperate Oceanic: cool summers and cool winters Mediterranean: dry summers and mild, wet winters Humid Continental: four dsitinct seasons and large seasonal temperature differences Cold continental: two extremes between summer and winter

Empires Collapse

The Empires changed their environment: overuse of resources, pollution, etc. The climate changed: RCO ended and greater variability returned The changing climate impacted both Hostile and Friendly Neighbors Both Empires responded poorly to the changes. Rise of military warlords, internal civil wars, breakdown of imperial system and taxes, etc.