Q: If Henderson Island had a population of 200 people and archaeological evidence suggests they consumed one bird per person per day, how many birds would be consumed in a year? Use the formula $$N = P imes D$$, where $$P is $$population and $$D is $$days.

$$N = 200 \times 365 = 73,000$$

Question 1

According to Diamond's analysis, which of the following best explains why Mangareva Island survived longer than Pitcairn and Henderson despite environmental challenges?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 2

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

Accepted Answer

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

Question 3

Which resource was critical for tool-making and was traded from Pitcairn to the other islands?

Accepted Answer

Basalt

Question 4

Why did trade between Henderson, Pitcairn, and Mangareva cease around 1500 AD?

Accepted Answer

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

Question 5

Which of the following best describes the nutritional consequences for Henderson Islanders after the collapse of trade?

Accepted Answer

Their diet became heavily reliant on sugary foods and seafood, leading to poor dental health.

Question 6

If the population of an island grows according to the geometric sequence $$P_n = P_0$ r^n$$ and food production grows arithmetically as $$F_n = F_0$ + dn$$, what is the likely long-term outcome according to Malthusian theory?

Accepted Answer

Population will outstrip food production, leading to famine and societal collapse.

Question 7

Which archaeological evidence supports the claim that Henderson Islanders were 'gluttons for wild foods'?

Accepted Answer

Huge middens containing millions of bird and fish bones.

Question 8

Which of the following trade items was sent from Mangareva to Pitcairn and Henderson?

Accepted Answer

Oyster shells

Question 9

What was a major disadvantage of Henderson Island for permanent human habitation?

Accepted Answer

No soil, no water, and no trees for boats

Question 10

Which of the following best illustrates the concept of interdependence among the three islands?

Accepted Answer

The islands traded essential resources such as stone, food, and tools to compensate for local shortages.

Question 11

If Henderson Island had a population of 200 people and archaeological evidence suggests they consumed one bird per person per day, how many birds would be consumed in a year? Use the formula $$N = P 	imes D$$, where $$P is $$population and $$D is $$days.

Accepted Answer

$$N = 200 	imes 365 = 73,000$$

Question 12

Which of the following is NOT a reason for the collapse of Pitcairn Island's society?

Accepted Answer

Abundant freshwater and fertile land

Question 13

What is the significance of finding volcanic glass cutting tools on Henderson Island?

Accepted Answer

It provides evidence of trade with Pitcairn Island, which supplied volcanic glass.

Question 14

Which of the following best describes the environmental impact of human settlement on Mangareva Island?

Accepted Answer

Soil erosion rates increased, leading to loss of agricultural productivity.

Question 15

If trade between the islands provided essential nutrients missing from local diets, what would be the likely nutritional consequence of trade collapse?

Accepted Answer

Increased risk of nutrient deficiencies and related health problems.

Question 16

Which of the following is a plausible reason why Henderson Islanders may have resorted to cannibalism after trade collapsed?

Accepted Answer

Resource scarcity and lack of alternative food sources.

Question 17

Which formula best represents the relationship between population growth and resource depletion described in the study materials?

Accepted Answer

$$P_n = P_0$ r^n$$ for population, $$R_n = R_0$ - dn$$ for resources

Question 18

Which of the following best explains why interdependence is important for modern societies, as illustrated by the island case studies?

Accepted Answer

It allows societies to specialize and trade for resources they lack.

Question 19

Which of the following is a plausible consequence of the loss of trees on the islands?

Accepted Answer

Loss of materials for boat building, leading to isolation and collapse of trade.

Environmental Collapse and Nutrition: Lessons from Henderson, Pitcairn, and Mangareva Islands

Guida di studio - Domande di pratica

Study guide - Flashcard