Module 3: Development of Human Civilizations

Question 1

Biological Evolution

Question 2

Charles Darwin’s Laws of Natural Selection

Answer 2

Explained the passing down of beneficial traits to off spring by favored species

Question 3

Genetics

Answer 3

Founded by Gregor Mendel, explained the presence of dominant and recessive traits in species and offspring

Question 4

Response to Undesirable traits

Answer 4

Equipping of the human body with features to overcome undesirable traits

Question 5

Sociocultural Evolution

Question 6

Hunting and Gathering Societies

Answer 6

• earliest form of society, egalitarian, simple tools and weapons were created to hunt animals

Question 7

Horticultural and Pastoral Societies

Answer 7

• discovery of cultivation and domestication methods leading to settled communities with social hierarchy and labor specialization

Question 8

Agricultural Societies

Answer 8

• development of large scale intensive agriculture and advancements such as plow, irrigation systems and farming techniques
• Neolithic Revolution: transition from hunter gatherer societies to settled agricultural communities

Question 9

Industrial Societies

Answer 9

• marked by industrial revolution
• invention of machinery and widespread use of fossil fuels for the mechanization of production processes

Question 10

Post-industrial societies

Answer 10

• transition is currently happening
• introduction of dominance of information, service and knowledge based industries

Question 11

Civilization

Answer 11

• complex society that creates agricultural surpluses, allowing for specialized labor, social hierarchy and cities
• two key concepts: agriculture and development of writing

Question 12

Political Organization

Answer 12

• entities involved in political process and social control

Forms:
- Band - smallest; consists of families and no formal leaders
- Tribes: based on family ties; temporary leaders
- Chiefdoms: large political unit led by a chief determined by heredity
- States: most complex; contain a central government, bureaucracy, laws and military force

Question 13

Democratization

Answer 13

• process in which a regime becomes democratic/open to the people
• Liberal Democracy: specific form of democracy granting individual eights, rule of law and separation of powers

Question 14

Globalization

Answer 14

• gradual political, economic and cultural integration as a result of international exchange of products