Week 5: Guns, Germs, and Steel 1

Question 1

What theory does Jared Diamond propose to explain historical inequalities between societies?

A) Cultural Determinism
B) Genetic Superiority
C) Environmental Determinism
D) Technological Innovation

Answer 1

C

Question 2

According to Diamond, which of the following contributed to European immunity to certain diseases?

A) Geographic Isolation
B) Domesticated Animals
C) Tropical Climate
D) Hunting and Gathering

Answer 2

B

Question 3

Which crop is commonly associated with the Fertile Crescent?

A) Maize
B) Rice
C) Potatoes
D) Wheat

Answer 3

D

Question 4

What geographical orientation of Eurasia facilitated the spread of crops and technologies?

A) East-West
B) North-South
C) Southeast-Northwest
D) Southwest-Northeast

Answer 4

A

Question 5

In Diamond’s theory, which of the following is NOT a primary factor of European dominance?

A) Guns
B) Germs
C) Steel
D) Climate Superiority

Answer 5

D

Question 6

Fill-in-the-Blank

The domestication of plants and animals enabled societies to develop a __________, which supported larger populations and social complexity.

Answer 6

Answer: surplus

Question 7

Fill-in-the-Blank

Diamond’s theory emphasizes that geographic and environmental factors, rather than __________, are the primary drivers of societal differences.

Answer 7

Answer: genetic differences

Question 8

Fill-in-the-Blank

In the context of European conquests, diseases such as __________ played a major role in decimating indigenous populations.

Answer 8

Answer: smallpox

Question 9

Fill-in-the-Blank

__________ is the study of disease distribution and its determinants within populations.

Answer 9

Epidemiology

Question 10

Fill-in-the-Blank

The spread of ideas and technology between societies is called __________.

Answer 10

Answer: diffusion