Textbook: Introduction 1 Flashcards
Which of the following scholars is closely associated with Big History?
A) Carl Sagan
B) David Christian
C) Harold Livesay
D) J.R. McNeill
B
What did the coal revolution enable in the 19th century?
A) shift from premodern to modern energy sources
B) Increased use of fossil fuels for cars
C) The industrialization of animal-based energy
a
What does the fossilized remains of humans allow scientists to study?
A) Future climate patterns
B) Ancient diets and health conditions
C) Genetic mutations in plants
B
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The coal revolution was significant because it marked the transition from the _______ world to the _______ world.
premodern; modern
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Big history examines the history of the universe, looking at large-scale patterns that shaped our _______.
past
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J.R. McNeill focuses on how changes in _______ and _______ environments affect human societies.
Biological; physical
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Early humans, like H. erectus, showed changes in _______ and _______ due to evolutionary pressures.
physiology; culture
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The rise of cities often put stress on _______ as human ecological footprints expanded.
ecosystems
Explain the importance of studying Big History in understanding human development.
Big History provides a cosmic perspective, situating human history within the broader universe, revealing interconnectedness between humans, all life forms, and the natural world, allowing for a comprehensive view of evolutionary processes and humanity’s role within them.
Describe the relationship between climate stability and the development of agriculture.
Climate stability after the Ice Age provided conditions that supported robust plant life, which early humans could cultivate, ultimately leading to agricultural practices and the growth of stable, settled societies.
