1.
Mesopotamia was located on the area of fertile soil left by river floods called a(n) ________________
Correct Answer
C. Alluvial plain
Explanation
Mesopotamia was located on the area of fertile soil left by river floods called an alluvial plain. An alluvial plain is a flat or gently sloping landform created by the deposition of sediment carried by rivers. In the case of Mesopotamia, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers regularly flooded the surrounding areas, depositing nutrient-rich sediment that made the soil fertile and ideal for agriculture. This allowed early civilizations in Mesopotamia to thrive and develop advanced agricultural practices.
2.
Oil is comon in this region because the land is made up of __________________, or layers of materials hardened by the intense weight or more materials piled above.
Correct Answer
B. Sedimentary rock
Explanation
The correct answer is sedimentary rock. Sedimentary rock is formed from the accumulation and compaction of layers of sediment over time. This region is likely to have sedimentary rock because it is described as having layers of materials hardened by intense weight or more materials piled above. Sedimentary rock is commonly found in areas where there has been deposition and compaction of sediments, such as in river valleys, lakes, and coastal areas.
3.
In this region of little rain, dry riverbeds called ________________________ fill with water when it rains
Correct Answer
A. Wadis
Explanation
In this region of little rain, dry riverbeds called wadis fill with water when it rains. Wadis are typically found in arid or desert regions where rainfall is scarce. These riverbeds act as channels for water flow during rare rain events, allowing water to accumulate and flow through the otherwise dry landscape.
4.
Bordering this region's deserts are dry, treeless, grassy plains called ________________
Correct Answer
D. Steppes
Explanation
The correct answer is steppes. Steppes are dry, treeless, grassy plains that border the deserts in this region. They are characterized by their lack of trees and their abundance of grass, making them suitable for grazing animals. Steppes are often found in semi-arid or arid regions and can support a variety of plant and animal life adapted to these harsh conditions.
5.
The Aral Sea has been drying up over the past several years because
Correct Answer
B. Irrigation projects took too much water from the rivers that feed the sea
Explanation
Over the past several years, the Aral Sea has been drying up due to irrigation projects that have taken too much water from the rivers that feed the sea. This excessive water usage has resulted in a significant decrease in the water levels of the sea. As a result, the sea has been shrinking, causing severe environmental and ecological consequences for the surrounding areas. The diversion of water for irrigation purposes has disrupted the natural balance and led to the drying up of the Aral Sea.
6.
Two important waterways in the region include the Suez Canal and the Daranelles. What is the main difference between the Suez Canal and the Darnelles Strait?
Correct Answer
A. Ships can pass through the Dardenelles but not the Suez
Explanation
The main difference between the Suez Canal and the Dardanelles Strait is that ships can pass through the Dardanelles but not the Suez. This means that ships are able to navigate through the Dardanelles waterway, while they are unable to do so in the Suez Canal.
7.
The world's largest desert, the Sahara, is located in _______________________
Correct Answer
D. North Africa
Explanation
The Sahara, the world's largest desert, is located in North Africa. This region is known for its vast expanse of hot and dry desert, covering a significant portion of the African continent. The Sahara stretches across several countries in North Africa, including Algeria, Chad, Egypt, Libya, Mali, Mauritania, Morocco, Niger, Sudan, and Tunisia. Its extreme climate and arid landscape make it a unique and challenging environment for both wildlife and human populations.
8.
One of the most likely reasons for conflict in this region is competition over _____________
Correct Answer
A. Water
Explanation
Water is a crucial resource that is essential for various activities such as agriculture, industry, and domestic use. In regions where water scarcity is prevalent, competition over limited water resources can lead to conflicts. This is particularly true in arid regions where access to water is crucial for survival and economic development. Conflicts can arise between different communities, states, or even countries over the control and allocation of water resources. Therefore, competition over water is a likely reason for conflict in this region.
9.
Morroco and Khazakhstan have rich deposits of ____________________, which are mineral salts used to make fertilizer
Correct Answer
C. pHospHates
Explanation
Morocco and Kazakhstan are known for their rich deposits of phosphates, which are mineral salts used in the production of fertilizers. Phosphates are essential for plant growth as they provide the necessary nutrients for healthy development. These countries have significant reserves of phosphates, making them important players in the global fertilizer industry. The extraction and processing of phosphates from these deposits contribute to the supply of fertilizers worldwide.
10.
In the Caspian Sea, _____________________, which is illegal fishing or hunting has decreased the number of Sturgeon.
Correct Answer
C. Poaching
Explanation
In the Caspian Sea, the decrease in the number of Sturgeon is caused by poaching, which refers to illegal fishing or hunting. This activity is responsible for the decline in the Sturgeon population.
11.
Small particles of rich soil is called phosphates
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The given statement is incorrect. Small particles of rich soil are not called phosphates. Phosphates are actually chemical compounds that contain the element phosphorus. They are commonly found in fertilizers and are essential for plant growth. Therefore, the correct answer is False.
12.
Refineries are a method in which land is left unplanted every few years so that it can store moisture
Correct Answer
B. False
Explanation
The statement is false because refineries are not a method of leaving land unplanted to store moisture. Refineries are actually industrial plants that process crude oil or other raw materials to produce petroleum products. They are not related to agriculture or land management practices.
13.
About 20 percent of the desert is covered by large areas of soft sand which is called _______________
Correct Answer
A. Ergs
Explanation
Ergs are large areas of soft sand that cover about 20 percent of the desert. Ergs are characterized by extensive sand dunes that can reach heights of over 100 meters. These dunes are formed by wind-blown sand and are constantly shifting and changing shape. Ergs are found in several deserts around the world, including the Sahara Desert in Africa and the Arabian Desert in the Middle East. They are important features of desert landscapes and can pose challenges for travelers and explorers due to their unstable nature.
14.
Some countries, such as Libya, now draw water from ___________________, or underground rock layers through which water flows
Correct Answer
A. Desalinization
15.
The Sahara contains ____________________ where land is fertile as a result of water from a spring or well
Correct Answer
B. Oasis
Explanation
An oasis is a small area in the Sahara desert where water from a spring or well is present, making the land fertile. It is a haven in the midst of the arid desert, providing a source of water for plants and animals. The presence of an oasis in the Sahara is crucial for the survival of life in this harsh environment.
16.
ANother approach to managing water is _________________, or a process that treats seawater to remove salts and minerals and makes the wtaer drinkable
Correct Answer
A. Desalinization
Explanation
Desalinization is the correct answer because it refers to the process of treating seawater to remove salts and minerals, making it drinkable. This approach to managing water is particularly useful in areas where freshwater sources are scarce or contaminated. Desalinization allows for the creation of a new supply of clean drinking water by utilizing the abundant resource of seawater.