1.
How did the first people come to the Americas?
Correct Answer
D. They came across a land bridge called Beringia
Explanation
The first people came to the Americas by crossing a land bridge called Beringia. This land bridge connected Asia and North America during the last Ice Age when sea levels were lower. As the bridge emerged, people migrated from Asia into North America, eventually populating the entire continent. This migration is believed to have occurred around 15,000 years ago and is supported by archaeological evidence and genetic studies of indigenous peoples in the Americas.
2.
Which people formed a permanent home in Central America, build the largest city in the world and grew into a military empire?
Correct Answer
C. The Aztecs
Explanation
The Aztecs formed a permanent home in Central America and built the largest city in the world, known as Tenochtitlan. They also grew into a military empire, expanding their territory through conquest and establishing dominance over neighboring regions. The Aztecs were known for their advanced agricultural practices, complex social structure, and religious beliefs, making them a significant civilization in Central America.
3.
What are objects left behind by early people that scientists use to learn more about them?
Correct Answer
C. Artifacts
Explanation
Artifacts are objects left behind by early people that scientists use to learn more about them. These objects can include tools, pottery, weapons, and other items that provide insights into the culture, technology, and daily lives of these early civilizations. By studying artifacts, scientists can gather information about the materials used, the techniques employed, and the purposes they served, helping to reconstruct and understand the history and practices of these ancient societies.
4.
What is carbon dating?
Correct Answer
C. A way to determine how old an artifact is
Explanation
Carbon dating is a scientific method used to determine the age of an artifact. It involves measuring the amount of radioactive carbon-14 in the artifact, which decays over time. By comparing the amount of carbon-14 to the stable carbon-12 in the artifact, scientists can calculate how long it has been since the organism from which the artifact originated died. This method is commonly used in archaeology and paleontology to determine the age of fossils, artifacts, and other organic remains.
5.
Which was the first organized civilization in North America?
Correct Answer
A. Olmec
Explanation
The Olmec civilization is considered the first organized civilization in North America. They emerged around 1200 BCE in what is now present-day Mexico. The Olmec people were known for their advanced agricultural practices, complex social structure, and monumental architecture. They also developed a system of writing and were skilled in creating intricate works of art. The Olmec civilization laid the foundation for later Mesoamerican civilizations such as the Maya, Inca, and Aztec.
6.
What is Machu Picchu?
Correct Answer
D. An early city built by the Incas
Explanation
Machu Picchu is an early city built by the Incas. It is a famous archaeological site located in Peru and is considered one of the most iconic and well-preserved examples of Inca civilization. The site was constructed in the 15th century and served as a significant religious, political, and cultural center for the Incas. Machu Picchu is known for its impressive stone architecture, terraced fields, and stunning mountainous backdrop. It attracts millions of tourists every year who are fascinated by its historical significance and breathtaking beauty.
7.
Who built Tenochtitian, the largest city in the Americas?
Correct Answer
C. The Aztecs
Explanation
The Aztecs built Tenochtitlan, the largest city in the Americas. Tenochtitlan was the capital city of the Aztec Empire and was located in what is now modern-day Mexico City. The Aztecs constructed the city on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco, using a system of canals and causeways to connect it to the mainland. The city was known for its impressive architecture, including temples, palaces, and marketplaces. It was a thriving center of trade, culture, and political power in the region.
8.
Which civilization had a powerful army and drafted all men ages 25-50 to serve in it?
Correct Answer
C. The Inca
Explanation
The Inca civilization had a powerful army and drafted all men ages 25-50 to serve in it. This is because the Inca Empire was known for its military strength and expansionist policies. By drafting all able-bodied men within a specific age range, the Inca were able to maintain a large and formidable army that could protect their empire and conquer new territories. This practice of mandatory military service was a key factor in the Inca's ability to establish and maintain their vast empire in South America.
9.
A ____________________ is a form of government based on religion and was used by many of the ancient civilizations, such as the Maya.
Correct Answer
theocracy
Explanation
A theocracy is a form of government where religious leaders hold the highest authority and the laws and policies are based on religious beliefs. In this type of government, the religious leaders often have control over all aspects of society, including governance, legal systems, and social norms. Many ancient civilizations, including the Maya, practiced theocracy, where religious rituals and beliefs played a central role in their political and social structures.
10.
Which early American people settled in the Arizona desert and were experts at irrigation?
Correct Answer
D. The Hohokam
Explanation
The Hohokam people settled in the Arizona desert and were experts at irrigation. They developed an extensive canal system to bring water to their crops, allowing them to thrive in the arid environment. This advanced irrigation system was a key factor in their ability to sustain agriculture and establish a complex society in the region.
11.
What did the Anasazi, who lived in the Four Corners area of th U.S., become known for building?
Correct Answer
C. Pueblos
Explanation
The Anasazi, who lived in the Four Corners area of the U.S., became known for building Pueblos. Pueblos were multi-story stone or adobe structures that served as homes and communal spaces for the Anasazi people. These structures were typically built into cliffs or on top of mesas, and they showcased the architectural and engineering skills of the Anasazi civilization. Pueblos were not only practical dwellings but also important cultural and religious centers for the Anasazi community.
12.
The Mound Builders were influenced in their culture by whom?
Correct Answer
B. The Maya and Aztec
Explanation
The Mound Builders were influenced in their culture by the Maya and Aztec civilizations. The Maya and Aztec were advanced civilizations in Mesoamerica known for their architectural achievements, including the construction of large ceremonial mounds. The Mound Builders, who inhabited areas of North America, likely had contact with the Maya and Aztec through trade or cultural diffusion, leading to the adoption of certain cultural practices and architectural styles. This influence is evident in the similarities between the ceremonial mounds built by the Mound Builders and those constructed by the Maya and Aztec.
13.
What is the largest settlement of the Mound Builders?
Correct Answer
B. Cahokia
Explanation
Cahokia is the largest settlement of the Mound Builders. It was a pre-Columbian Native American city located near present-day Collinsville, Illinois. At its peak, Cahokia had a population of around 20,000-30,000 people and covered an area of about six square miles. The site contains numerous earthen mounds, including Monks Mound, which is the largest prehistoric earthwork in the Americas. Cahokia is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in North America and provides valuable insights into the culture and society of the Mound Builders.
14.
Which group lived in the northernmost part of North America around the Arctic Ocean?
Correct Answer
A. The Inuit
Explanation
The Inuit lived in the northernmost part of North America around the Arctic Ocean.
15.
Which groups formed federations and had formal law codes to govern their nations?
Correct Answer
E. The Iroquois and Cherokee
Explanation
The Iroquois and Cherokee formed federations and had formal law codes to govern their nations. These Native American tribes had complex political systems and established alliances among different tribes. The Iroquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee Confederacy, was a powerful alliance of six tribes in the northeastern part of North America. They had a constitution known as the Great Law of Peace, which outlined their governmental structure and principles. The Cherokee Nation, located in the southeastern part of North America, also had a formal legal system and a written constitution that governed their society.
16.
Native Americans of the Northeast in the Onondaga, Seneca, Mowhak, Oneida and Cayuga nations joined to form what?
Correct Answer
C. The Iriquois Confederacy
Explanation
The correct answer is The Iriquois Confederacy. The Onondaga, Seneca, Mowhak, Oneida, and Cayuga nations joined together to form the Iriquois Confederacy, also known as the Haudenosaunee. This confederacy was a political and cultural alliance that promoted cooperation and unity among the member nations. They shared a council and made decisions collectively, which allowed them to maintain peace and resolve conflicts within their territories. The Iriquois Confederacy played a significant role in the history of Native Americans in the Northeast, influencing their governance, diplomacy, and cultural practices.
17.
What is an adobe and who built them?
Correct Answer
B. Sundried mud brick homes built by the people of the Southwest
Explanation
Sundried mud brick homes built by the people of the Southwest refers to adobe houses. Adobe is a building material made from a mixture of clay, sand, water, and sometimes straw. It is then shaped into bricks and left to dry in the sun. The people of the Southwest, such as the Pueblo and Navajo tribes, have been using adobe to construct their homes for centuries. These homes are known for their thick walls that provide insulation and their ability to regulate temperature in extreme climates.
18.
What is true about the native Americans who lived in the Great Plains area?
Correct Answer
E. All of the above
Explanation
The native Americans who lived in the Great Plains area were nomads, meaning they did not have a permanent settlement and moved from place to place. They lived in tepees, which are portable tents made of animal hides. They relied on hunting for their food and hunted deer, antelope, and buffalo. They also rode horses and used spears for hunting and warfare. Therefore, all of the given statements are true about the native Americans who lived in the Great Plains area.
19.
Because the Mayan civilization was a theocracy, the most powerful Mayan people were the:
Correct Answer
A. Priests
Explanation
In a theocracy, religious leaders hold the most power and influence. The Mayan civilization was known for its strong religious beliefs and practices, with priests playing a central role in religious ceremonies, rituals, and governance. They were responsible for interpreting the gods' will, conducting sacrifices, and ensuring the spiritual well-being of the community. Therefore, it is logical to conclude that the most powerful individuals in the Mayan civilization were the priests.
20.
_________________ is an early form of corn and was the first crop planted by Native Americans
Correct Answer
maize
Explanation
Maize is an early form of corn that was cultivated by Native Americans as their first crop. It was an important staple food for many indigenous cultures in the Americas and played a significant role in their agricultural practices. Maize has since become one of the most widely grown cereal crops in the world, with various uses including food, animal feed, and industrial applications.
21.
The land bridge connected which two countries?
Correct Answer
A. Asia and North America
Explanation
The land bridge referred to in the question is most likely the Bering Land Bridge, which connected Asia and North America during the last ice age. This land bridge allowed for the migration of humans and animals between the two continents.
22.
________________ is a way of life of a people who formed communities, developed common customs and beliefs.
Correct Answer
culture
Explanation
Culture refers to the way of life of a particular group of people who have come together to form communities. It encompasses their shared customs, traditions, beliefs, values, and behaviors. Culture is a collective expression of a society's identity and includes various aspects such as language, art, music, religion, and social norms. It plays a crucial role in shaping individuals' perspectives, behaviors, and interactions within a community.
23.
The early nomads ate
Correct Answer
A. Mammoths, Tigers and Mastodon
Explanation
The early nomads primarily relied on hunting for their food, and the animals mentioned in the answer choices were commonly found in the regions where the nomads lived. Mammoths, tigers, and mastodons were large animals that provided a significant amount of meat. This would have been a valuable food source for the nomads, as it would have sustained them for longer periods of time. Additionally, hunting these animals would have required a certain level of skill and strategy, indicating that the early nomads were adept at hunting and survival in their environment.
24.
How did the first Americans survive?
Correct Answer
A. They were able to adapt their way of life to their environment
Explanation
The first Americans were able to survive by adapting their way of life to their environment. This means that they were able to adjust their behaviors, practices, and habits to suit the conditions and resources available to them. This adaptability allowed them to find ways to obtain food, build shelters, and develop social structures that best suited their surroundings. By being flexible and resourceful, they were able to overcome challenges and thrive in their environment.