Chapter 4: The Role of Nutrition in Early Population Growth

Question 1

Why were early hunter-gatherer populations limited in growth?

A) They had abundant resources.
B) Their diets were low in nutrients.
C) They relied on food within a day’s walk.
D) They practiced high-density farming.

Answer 1

C

Question 2

True/False
Hunter-gatherers generally had less tooth decay than early farmers due to a more balanced diet.

Answer 2

True
Explanation: Hunter-gatherers consumed a variety of wild plants and animal foods, which were lower in carbohydrates and sugar, reducing the risk of dental decay compared to the starch-heavy diets of early farmers.

Question 3

Fill in the Blank
Population densities increased significantly with the transition from foraging to __________, with some areas reaching 40-60 persons per km².

Answer 3

agriculture

Question 4

Which of the following contributed to higher fertility rates in early agricultural communities?

A) Extended breastfeeding
B) Lack of weaning foods
C) Nutrient-rich cultivated crops
D) Limited mobility

Answer 4

C

Question 5

What disadvantage did the early maize-based diet in Mesoamerica have on health?

Answer 5

It led to increased dental decay.

Question 6

True/False
Hunter-gatherers had longer intervals between children because their diets made it harder to meet the nutritional needs of infants.

Answer 6

True
Explanation: Hunter-gatherers often breastfed for extended periods due to a lack of suitable weaning foods, which naturally spaced births further apart.

Question 7

The transition to a high-carbohydrate diet among early farmers provided infants with alternative sources of nutrition, accelerating the __________ process.

Answer 7

weaning

Question 8

What was one potential consequence of clearing land for agriculture on the diets of early farmers?

A) Increased food variety

B) Higher mortality rates due to limited nutrition

C) Immediate abundance of food

D) Improved health and longevity

Answer 8

B

Question 9

How did early farmers supplement their diets to meet infant nutritional needs besides crop-based food sources?

Answer 9

They used milk from domesticated animals like goats, sheep, and cows.

Question 10

True/False
Mortality rates among early farmers were lower than those of hunter-gatherers because of their stable food sources.

Answer 10

False
Explanation: Although food was more stable, early farmers often had less dietary variety, leading to nutrient deficiencies and higher mortality rates compared to the varied diets of hunter-gatherers.