Q: If the population of Mangareva Island doubled every 50 years, starting from 500 people in 1000 AD, what would the population be in 1150 AD? Use the formula $P = P_0 \times 2^{t/T}$, where $P_0$ is the initial population, $t$ is time in years, and $T$ is the doubling time.

$P = 500 \times 2^{150/50} = 500 \times 2^3 = 500 \times 8 = 4000$

Question 1

According to Diamond's 'road map' for societal collapse, which of the following sequences correctly describes the stages by which societies fail to address environmental problems?

Accepted Answer

They fail to anticipate the problem, fail to perceive it when it arrives, fail to try to solve it, and may not succeed even if they try.

Question 2

Which of the following best explains why Mangareva Island survived longer than Pitcairn and Henderson, despite facing similar environmental challenges?

Accepted Answer

Mangareva survived by lowering its standard of living and adapting to resource scarcity.

Question 3

Which resource was traded from Pitcairn Island to both Mangareva and Henderson Islands, and why was it important?

Accepted Answer

Basalt, used for making tools such as adzes and oven stones.

Question 4

Why did trade between the three islands (Pitcairn, Henderson, Mangareva) eventually stop around 1500 AD?

Accepted Answer

Deforestation led to a lack of trees for building canoes, making inter-island travel impossible.

Question 5

Which of the following is an example of Malthusian theory as applied to the history of the three islands?

Accepted Answer

Population increased geometrically while food production increased arithmetically, leading to resource shortages.

Question 6

Which evidence from Henderson Island supports the conclusion that its inhabitants relied heavily on wild foods?

Accepted Answer

Archaeological sites containing more than 14,000 fish bones and 42,000 bird bones.

Question 7

If the population of Mangareva Island doubled every 50 years, starting from 500 people in 1000 AD, what would the population be in 1150 AD? Use the formula $P = P_0 	imes 2^{t/T}$, where $P_0$ is the initial population, $t$ is time in years, and $T$ is the doubling time.

Accepted Answer

$P = 500 	imes 2^{150/50} = 500 	imes 2^3 = 500 	imes 8 = 4000$

Question 8

Which of the following best describes the environmental consequences of deforestation on the islands?

Accepted Answer

Soil erosion, loss of agricultural productivity, and inability to build canoes for trade.

Question 9

Why was Henderson Island considered the most marginal for human existence among the three islands?

Accepted Answer

It lacked good rocks for tools, had no freshwater, and had only stunted forests.

Question 10

Which of the following is a real-world example of interdependence similar to the trade between the three islands?

Accepted Answer

Modern nations trading oil, grains, and manufactured goods to meet their needs.

Question 11

Which of the following resources was NOT available on Pitcairn Island, making it dependent on trade?

Accepted Answer

Oysters and shellfish.

Question 12

What was a major consequence of the cessation of trade among the islands?

Accepted Answer

Resource shortages, civil war, and eventual collapse of societies.

Question 13

Which of the following best explains why Henderson Island had a high extinction rate among its bird species?

Accepted Answer

Five out of nine bird species were flightless and easy to catch, leading to overhunting.

Question 14

If a population grows according to the geometric sequence $P_n = P_0 	imes r^n$, where $P_0$ is the initial population, $r$ is the growth rate, and $n$ is the number of generations, what happens if $r > 1$ and resources are limited?

Accepted Answer

Population will eventually exceed available resources, leading to collapse.

Question 15

Which of the following archaeological findings on Henderson Island indicates long-term human habitation?

Accepted Answer

A huge midden containing millions of bird and fish bones.

Question 16

Why was the loss of trees particularly devastating for the societies on these islands?

Accepted Answer

Trees were essential for building canoes, which enabled trade and fishing.

Question 17

Which of the following best describes the role of trade in the survival of the three islands?

Accepted Answer

Trade allowed the islands to specialize and exchange resources they lacked.

Question 18

Which of the following is a plausible reason why marriage partners may have been traded between islands?

Accepted Answer

To increase genetic diversity and avoid incest due to small populations.

Question 19

Which of the following is NOT a consequence of soil erosion observed on the islands?

Accepted Answer

Increased ability to build ships.

Ecological Collapse and Human Impact: The Case of Henderson, Pitcairn, and Mangareva Islands

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