sust exam 4

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

False 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.

The Maya had a centralized ruling authority comprised of subordinate regional kingdoms. T or F?

False The Maya did not have a centralized ruling authority, rather the Maya were a patchwork of many regional kingdoms or independent states, each ruled by royal or noble families.

primary impact on the degree of deforestation cold high-latitude

reduced growth rate and seedling establishment

primary impact on the degree of deforestation dry climate

reduced growth rate and seedling establishment

primary impact on the degree of deforestation far from Central Asia's dust plume

reduced soil fertility

primary impact on the degree of deforestation no aerial ash fallout select

reduced soil fertility

primary impact on the degree of deforestation old volcanic island

reduced soil fertility

What was the most important product to Han trade?

silk 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.

Deforestation can lead to hillside erosion, reduced soil fertility, and a man-made drought. T or F?

true According to Diamond, the Maya cleared forests on hillsides to be used for fuel or plaster in building construction. This led to erosion of the hillside soil blanketing the valley soil with unfertile and acidic hillside soil. Deforestation leads to decreased rainfall and eventually drought.

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

C. Droughts will last longer. 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.

Mayan geography description Rainfall was strongly seasonal, abundant limestone, shallow water table

Northern Lowlands

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

B. The end of the Roman Climate Optimum in the second century

What are the benefits of lithic mulch agriculture (pu)?

A. Retaining moisture B. Reducing evaporation from the sun and wind C. Reducing soil temperature during the day D. Increasing soil temperature at night E. Leaching minerals for fertilizer F. Reducing erosion

Match the Han invention to the area of society that it improved the chain pump

Agriculture

Match the Han invention to the area of society that it improved the wheelbarrow

Agriculture

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

B, C, D 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 technology was developed and natural features were used to access and store water?

Drilled wells (up to 90 ft deep) Aguadas Chultuns Cenotes Lakes and freshwater lagoons Water seals such as impermeable clay, stone, or plaster to help retain water. Cities with infrastructure built to channel, collect, and sometimes get rid of water.

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

False 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.

Primarily farmers

Mayan class description Common people

Ruled based on the claim they had a direct connection with the spirit world

Mayan class description Nobility

The scientist, engineers, alchemist, and astronomers of the day

Mayan class description Priests

Individuals that owed debt or were captured in conflicts from neighboring states

Mayan class description Slaves

How did scientists reconstruct (determine) the climate during the Ancestral Puebloan civilization? A. Carbon isotopes B. Pollen counts C. Tree rings

Pollen counts & Tree rings 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.

Match the Han invention to the area of society that it improved the magnetic compass

Science

Match the Han invention to the area of society that it improved the seismograph

Science

Mayan geography description Higher rainfall than the other regions, volcanic and metamorphic rock, deepest water table

Southern Highlands

Mayan geography description Consistent rainfall with some seasonal variability, abundant limestone, deep water table

Southern Lowlands

Match the river name with its description Longest river in Asia

Yangtze River

Match the river name with its description characterized by severe and sudden floods which early farmers in South China learned to control and deal with these floods by cultivating rice in paddy fields

Yangtze River

Match the river name with its description originates in the Tibetan highlands

Yangtze River

Match the river name with its description characterized by devastating floods and course changes that have impacted Chinese civilization throughout its history

Yellow (Huang he) River

Match the Han invention to the area of society that it improved fish-scale armor

Warfare

Match the Han invention to the area of society that it improved the kite

Warfare

Which of the following statements are true regarding Roman land reform laws? A. 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. B. They were proposed by Tiberius and Gaius and were meant to redistribute land to smaller farmers. C. They led to an increase in slave labor. 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.

A, B 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.

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

A, B, C Slash and burn clearing for agriculture was a technique used by the early Rapanui.

What are the advantages of terraced agriculture? A. They act as a reservoir for water during the dry season B. They work in mountain areas with rocky soil and steep slopes C. The terracing helps retain soil D. Topsoil and nutrients are permanently retained

A, B, C While terraced techniques did allow for agriculture practices in rugged terrain, the topsoil and nutrients are eventually lost and this occurs faster on steep slopes.

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

A, B, C, D, F, G 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.

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

A, B, C, E 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.

What are the advantages of raised bed agriculture? A. The aquatic animals living in the canals can also be collected for food B. The fertile soil from the canals can be put on the beds to replenish nutrients C. The beds are self-watering D. They can be used in dry highland areas

A,B, & C Raised bed agriculture was not used in dry highland areas, instead this technique was used in lowlands, coastal areas, and swamps.

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? A. Mining heavy metals which polluted waterways and poisoned people. B. More farmland leading to increased rainfall and reduced evaporation. C. Depleting nutrients in soils by not resting crops. D. Deforestation which can be identified by atmospheric methane trapped in the bubbles of ice cores from Greenland.

A,C,D 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.

What were the limitations of Maya agriculture according to Diamond? A. Corn agriculture was less productive B. The Maya had no animal-powered transport or plows C. The humid climate made it difficult to store corn D. There were water shortages from geological features (low water table and limestone) and occasional droughts E. Entirely swidden agriculture meant crop fields had to be abandoned to recover soil fertility F. The dominant crop, corn, yielded little protein

A. Corn agriculture was less productive B. The Maya had no animal-powered transport or plows C. The humid climate made it difficult to store corn D. There were water shortages from geological features (low water table and limestone) and occasional droughts F. The dominant crop, corn, yielded little protein

Which of the following statements are true? 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.

A. Peak Roman population was 75 million or a quarter of all humanity. C. The foundation of Roman wealth and prosperity was military conquest and agriculture. 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).

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?

A. Rodents (black rats in particular) living near humans because of grain storage B. Global trade routes C. Urbanized densely packed cities D. Interconnected cities within the empire

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?'

A. The mo'ai were laid down carefully and precisely over burial sites, not toppled by angry warring clans. B. The carved figurines were likely in reverence to the skeleton shape rather than to depict starving people, since they were crafted in the 1400s. C. Obsidian tools were not used as spears in warfare, but rather to cut plants, particularly sweet potato and taro.

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

Despite the unequal distribution of wealth, the Roman empire had high levels of production, consumption, and general well-being, as evidenced by

A. mining and metallurgy B. slave labor C. public buildings D. meat consumption E. wages outpaced rent F. market trade

Unlike the Romans, the Han Empire

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

Which statement is false? Ancient Maya culture was lost entirely with its collapse Trade with neighboring societies was not a factor in the Maya collapse The Maya homeland is a seasonal tropical rainforest with risk of droughts and hurricanes The ancient Maya left extensive deciphered written texts The Maya made stone tools out of obsidian

Ancient Maya culture was lost entirely with its collapse

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.

B, D The Milankovitch cycles, changes in Earth's orbit and orientation, cause changes in the amount and distribution of solar energy reaching Earth. This increased the volcanic activity 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 of the following statements are true regarding Ancestral Puebloan civilization? A. They lived in the core monsoon area where rainfall was most reliable from year to year. B. Different settlements were connected by an expansive river system that enabled exchange, trade, and specialization of settlements. C. Using irrigation, they were able to grow corn, beans, and squash. D. 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 an austere (harsh) high-altitude environment. 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.

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

D. Both empires fell 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.

What was unique about the Han government?

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. They adopted a centralized government with a softer ruling style incorporating Confucian ideals of moral behavior. They kept taxes low for farmers and provided relief and aid for victims of natural disasters.

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

False 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

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

False 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.

Match the Han invention to the area of society that it improved a foot-powered machine for silk production

Industry

Match the Han invention to the area of society that it improved a modified bamboo pole for mining salt

Industry

Who were the original settlers of Rapa Nui (Easter Island)?

Polynesian voyagers sailing canoes 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.

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. Rectangular kivas B. Distinct patterned pottery C. Obsidian arrowheads D. Stone building materials

Rectangular kivas, Distinct patterned pottery, Stone building materials 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.

The end of the ahu and mo'ai building period roughly coincided with the complete destruction of the palm forest around 1600. T or F?

True 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. T or F?

True 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.

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

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

Lake sediment cores were used to identify drought conditions from gypsum and oxygen isotope measurements as well as deforestation from pollen records. T or F?

True Modern scientists used lake sediment cores to identify the time periods of drought and deforestation in ancient Maya civilization.

The milpa-forest garden technique is highly productive and sustainable; therefore, it seems unlikely that environmental degradation was a driver of Maya collapse T or F

Unlike Jared Diamond claimed, the Maya agricultural techniques were likely sustainable and not environmentally degrading.

Match the Han invention to the area of society that it improved long iron swords

Warfare

Match the river name with its description considered the birthplace of ancient China

Yellow (Huang he) River

Match the river name with its description originates in the mountains of western China

Yellow (Huang he) River

According to Diamond, what contributed to the Maya collapse? A. Warfare over fewer resources which further reduced land available for farming B. Deforestation and hillside erosion reducing the amount of useable farmland C. Maya kings and nobles failing to recognize and solve these long-term problems undermining their society D. The most severe drought Maya peoples had experienced E. Population growth outstripping available resources

all of the above All of these events contributed to the Classic collapse according to the reading. A reduction in resources was no longer able to support the large population. Maya environmental and population problems led to increasing warfare and civil strife. Meanwhile, Maya kings sought to outdo each other with more and more impressive temples, covered with thicker and thicker plaster, ignoring the threats to their society.

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

all of the above 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.

What were the consequences of the agricultural limitations according to Diamond? A. Maya cities remained small, mostly less than one square mile in area and populations less than 50,000 people. B. There was limited duration and distance possible for their military campaigns. C. Maya society remained politically divided among small kingdoms that would go in and out of conflict with each other. D. A Maya farmer could produce only twice the needs of himself and his family, so at least 70% of Maya society consisted of peasant farmers to supply enough food for their entire society.

all of the above Because of the limitations of food production, storage, and transportation, Maya cities remained small and politically divided. Maya armies remained small and unable to mount lengthy campaigns over long distances as they could not transport enough food to sustain far-reaching military campaigns.

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? A. Wood ladders and ropes to transport mo'ai B. Burned for firewood or cremation C. Wine, honey, or sugar using sap D. Tapa clothing using bark E. House thatching, baskets, mats, and boat sails using palm fronds F. To build seagoing canoes and harpoons

all of the above 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.

Cenotes were abundant in the rainy Southern Highlands where limestone is abundant. T or F?

false Cenotes are created by the weathering of limestone. Cenotes were abundant in the dry Northern Lowlands where limestone is abundant. The rainy Southern Highlands, by contrast, are dominated by volcanic and metamorphic rock.

What nuances complicate the story of Maya collapse? A. Cities in different parts of the Maya area rose and fell at different times. B. Population collapse was slow in some areas and faster in others. C. There were hundreds of thousands of Maya who survived the collapse and lived to fight the Spaniards. D. Many cities experienced "power cycling" where the leadership changed hands but the population itself remained the same. E. There were smaller collapses before and after the "Classic" collapse ~ A.D. 800.

all of the above Some archeologists are hesitant to identify one main collapse because of these complications. However, the disappearance of between 90 and 99% of the Maya population after A.D. 800, especially in the formerly most densely populated area of the southern lowlands, and the disappearance of kings, Long Count calendars, and other complex political and cultural institutions, points to a major collapse that warrants explanation.

What are the advantages of the milpa-forest garden agriculture? A. 2/3 of the farmland is actually maintained as forest B. The cycle of slash and burn, growing mixed crops, and then allowing the forest to regrow helps recycle and retain soil nutrients C. There are few issues with erosion since the soil is not plowed D. It provides additional valuable goods and services such as building supplies and medicines E. The farm supports biodiversity including wild animal life

all of the above The milpa-forest system does not have issues with water retention, soil nutrient depletion, deforestation, or erosion. The forest provides habitat for wild animals as well as goods and services such as building supplies and medicines.

What limited Mayan trade and transportation? A. lack of large animals B. lack of large population of slaves C. lack of abundant navigable riverways connecting major cities D. lack of transport technology such as wheels

all of the above These limitations to trade and transportation also contributed to the separation of the kingdoms (never one unified civilization) since people were dependent on local agriculture

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?

dolphins 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.

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

false 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. T or F?

false 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.

One megadrought from ~1276-1299 CE was the sole cause of the abandonment of Ancestral Puebloan land. T or F?

false 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.

Anomalously colder temperatures in the Pacific played a major role in the population collapse of the Rapanui society in the 1700s. T or F?

false 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.

primary impact on the degree of deforestation low topography

more area suitable for farming

primary impact on the degree of deforestation small island

more area suitable for farming

primary impact on the degree of deforestation without makatea rock

more area suitable for farming

The domestication of corn and turkey made the Ancestral Puebloan peoples more dependent on agriculture and more susceptible to drought. T or F?

true 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.

People believed that the Earth was dying at the end of the Roman Climate Optimum because the Northern Hemisphere became colder and drier, there were fewer monsoonal rains, and the Sahara became a vast desert. T or F?

true The severe changes to climate at the end of the Roman Climate Optimum led people to think that the Earth itself might be dying. The Mediterranean became colder and drier. The high latitude and high elevation farms were no longer productive. The monsoonal rains in Africa and China became weaker leading to fewer monsoonal flows of the Nile and Yellow Rivers. The Sahara became a desert.