Week 7: Slides (3-4)

Question 1

What does Jared Diamond mean by “Continental Axis”?

A. The orientation of continents and their impact on technological development

B. The role of oceans in shaping trade routes

C. The influence of the east-west orientation of continents on the spread of domesticated species

D. The climate differences between Europe and Africa

Answer 1

C

Explanation: Diamond argues that an east-west axis allows for easier spread of crops and animals due to similar climate and day length.

Question 2

True/False
True or False: Geography determined the types of species available for domestication in different regions.

Answer 2

Answer: True

Explanation: Diamond believes that geography played a crucial role in the availability of domesticable species, which influenced the development of agriculture.

Question 3

Fill-in-the-Blank

Diamond’s theory suggests that the __________ orientation of Eurasia allowed domesticated species to spread more easily than in the Americas or Africa.

Answer 3

East-west

Explanation: An east-west orientation means similar climates and growing seasons, which facilitated the spread of crops and livestock.

Question 4

Why does Diamond argue that geography dictated the ease of domestication techniques spreading?

Answer 4

Diamond argues that similar climates along an east-west axis allowed techniques of domestication, including agricultural practices and animal husbandry, to spread more easily due to compatible environmental conditions

Question 5

Define “Thermocline” in the context of Diamond’s theory on the Continental Axis.

Answer 5

A thermocline refers to the temperature gradient across geographic regions. In Diamond’s theory, east-west continental orientations allow stable thermoclines, supporting similar climates over long distances, unlike north-south axes, which cross more diverse climates.

Question 6

Yes/No
Would a crop from Western Russia likely grow well in France according to Diamond’s theory?

Answer 6

Answer: Yes

Explanation: According to Diamond, the similar latitude and east-west orientation of Eurasia mean the climate and day length are compatible, supporting the spread of similar crops.

Question 7

According to Diamond, which of the following continents would face more challenges in spreading domesticated plants and animals?

A. Africa
B. Australia
C. Eurasia
D. North America

Answer 7

A

Explanation: Africa’s north-south orientation presents varied climates along its length, hindering the spread of domesticated species.

Question 8

Explain why crops grown in France may not grow well in Libya, according to Diamond’s theory.

Answer 8

Diamond suggests that the north-south axis introduces significant climate differences (thermoclines) along latitude lines, meaning crops suited to the temperate climate of France may struggle in the hot, arid conditions of Libya.

Question 9

Match the following terms with their descriptions:

A. East-west axis
B. Domesticable species
C. North-south axis

1. Presents similar climates across a continent, aiding agricultural spread.
2. Has varied climates, creating barriers to spreading crops and animals.
3. Plants and animals that can be bred or grown for human use.

Answer 9

A-1
B-3
C-2

Question 10

Fill-in-the-Blank
Diamond’s theory states that geography affected the availability of __________ species, influencing which regions could develop agriculture more easily.

Answer 10

Domesticable

Explanation: Regions with more accessible species for domestication had an advantage in developing agriculture, which led to societal growth and technological advances.