Q: Which of the following equations best estimates the potential rat population growth on Easter Island, given a gestation period of 21 days, 3-4 pups per litter, and 6 litters per year for a 3-year lifespan?

$$N = (3.5 \text{ pups/litter}) \times (6 \text{ litters/year}) \times (3 \text{ years})$$

Question 1

Which of the following best describes the geographical location and climate of Easter Island?

Accepted Answer

Located 27 degrees south latitude, cool climate, volcanic soils, limited fresh water

Question 2

What was the primary food source for Easter Islanders at the time of European discovery in 1722?

Accepted Answer

Sweet potatoes, yams, taro, bananas, and chicken

Question 3

Which factor most contributed to the deforestation of Easter Island?

Accepted Answer

Overharvesting of trees for firewood, canoes, and gardens, combined with rat predation on seeds

Question 4

What evidence suggests that the diet of Easter Islanders shifted over time?

Accepted Answer

Loss of wild-caught foods, decrease in crop yields, and disappearance of forest resources

Question 5

How did the construction of the moai statues impact the island’s resources?

Accepted Answer

It required large amounts of food and wood, accelerating resource depletion

Question 6

Which agricultural technique did Easter Islanders use to combat poor soil and drought conditions?

Accepted Answer

Rock mulch and stone-lined pits to retain moisture and protect plants

Question 7

What role did the Pacific rat ($$Rattus\ exulans) $$play in the ecological collapse of Easter Island?

Accepted Answer

Rats consumed tree seeds, preventing forest regeneration and contributing to deforestation

Question 8

Which of the following equations best estimates the potential rat population growth on Easter Island, given a gestation period of 21 days, 3-4 pups per litter, and 6 litters per year for a 3-year lifespan?

Accepted Answer

$$N = (3.5 	ext{ pups/litter}) 	imes (6 	ext{ litters/year}) 	imes (3 	ext{ years})$$

Question 9

Which social structure on Easter Island indicated a surplus in food production and food security?

Accepted Answer

A society with chiefs, commoners, religious leaders, and territorial clans

Question 10

What evidence supports the theory that Easter Island’s population experienced a dramatic decline before European contact?

Accepted Answer

Decline in house sites by 70%, evidence of starvation, and civil war

Question 11

Which of the following is NOT a plausible factor in the ecological collapse of Easter Island?

Accepted Answer

Continuous volcanic eruptions destroying all vegetation

Question 12

How did the loss of trees affect the ability of Easter Islanders to obtain food from the sea?

Accepted Answer

It prevented construction of canoes, limiting access to offshore fishing

Question 13

Which of the following best explains the purpose of the 'rock mulch' used in Easter Island agriculture?

Accepted Answer

To limit evaporation, moderate temperature, reduce erosion, and release minerals

Question 14

What is the most likely reason for the disappearance of large seabird populations on Easter Island?

Accepted Answer

Overhunting, deforestation, and predation by rats

Question 15

Which of the following statements about the moai statues is correct?

Accepted Answer

They ranged from 10 to 75 tons, were carved from tuff and basalt, and some had 'pukao' hats

Question 16

Which equation best represents the effect of rat population on tree regeneration, assuming $$R is $$the number of rats and $$T is $$the number of viable tree seeds?

Accepted Answer

$$T = T_0$ - R 	imes k$$

Question 17

Which of the following is a consequence of soil erosion on Easter Island after deforestation?

Accepted Answer

Loss of soil fertility, decreased crop yields, and burial of archaeological sites

Question 18

Which real-world event most closely parallels the ecological collapse observed on Easter Island?

Accepted Answer

The Dust Bowl in the United States due to over-farming and drought

Question 19

Which of the following best describes the impact of European contact on the population of Easter Island?

Accepted Answer

Population declined sharply due to disease, kidnapping, and slavery

Question 20

Which of the following factors made Easter Island especially vulnerable to ecological collapse compared to other Pacific islands?

Accepted Answer

Its remote location, lack of perennial streams, and absence of coral reefs

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