- 1. In his thought-provoking book 'Collapse: How Societies Choose to Fail or Succeed', Jared Diamond explores the various factors that lead to the collapse of civilizations throughout history, drawing on a rich tapestry of examples ranging from the ancient Maya and the Vikings to modern societies. Diamond meticulously examines the environmental challenges, such as deforestation, climate change, and loss of biodiversity, that contribute to societal decline, as well as the complex interplay of cultural, political, and economic decisions made by these societies. He underscores that the lessons learned from these historical precedents are incredibly relevant to contemporary global issues, including overpopulation, resource depletion, and sustainable development. Through a multidisciplinary approach that incorporates history, ecology, and anthropology, Diamond compellingly argues that the fates of past civilizations offer critical insights into the potential trajectories of our own society and the importance of making informed choices to avert a similar fate.
What is the central subject of Jared Diamond's 'Collapse'?
A) Military strategies of ancient civilizations
B) Societies that collapsed due to environmental problems
C) Religious movements throughout history
D) Societies that thrived through technological innovation
- 2. Which modern U.S. state does Diamond discuss as facing environmental challenges?
A) Montana
B) Texas
C) California
D) Florida
- 3. What was a key factor in the Norse Greenland colony's collapse?
A) Refusal to adapt to Inuit practices
B) Foreign invasion
C) Volcanic eruption
D) Overpopulation
- 4. Which ancient civilization in the American Southwest does Diamond examine?
A) Aztec
B) Maya
C) Inca
D) Anasazi
- 5. What is Diamond's five-point framework for analyzing societal collapses?
A) Technology, education, healthcare, infrastructure, governance
B) Economic systems, military power, cultural development, political structure, religious beliefs
C) Environmental damage, climate change, hostile neighbors, friendly trade partners, society's response
D) Population growth, urbanization, industrialization, globalization, innovation
- 6. Which Pacific island society successfully managed its resources according to Diamond?
A) Fiji
B) Hawaii
C) Tikopia
D) Tahiti
- 7. What was a major environmental issue in ancient Mesopotamia?
A) Soil salinization
B) Deforestation
C) Water pollution
D) Air pollution
- 8. The collapse of the Cahokia civilization is linked to what problem?
A) Volcanic activity
B) Foreign invasion
C) Disease epidemics
D) Deforestation and erosion
- 9. What is 'ecocide' as discussed in Collapse?
A) Mass extinction events
B) Biological warfare
C) Killing of endangered species
D) Environmental destruction causing societal collapse
- 10. What was a key difference between Norse and Inuit survival in Greenland?
A) Norse practiced better farming
B) Inuit adapted to marine resources
C) Norse had better technology
D) Inuit had larger populations
- 11. The Anasazi collapse in Chaco Canyon involved what environmental stress?
A) Flooding
B) Drought and deforestation
C) Earthquakes
D) Volcanic ash
- 12. What was the primary building material on Easter Island?
A) Clay
B) Ice
C) Wood
D) Stone
- 13. The Maya collapse occurred during which century?
A) 12th century AD
B) 15th century AD
C) 9th century AD
D) 5th century BC
- 14. What resource was crucial for Norse survival in Greenland?
A) Spices
B) Silk
C) Gold
D) Livestock
- 15. Which ancient civilization does Diamond examine as a case study of collapse?
A) The Maya
B) The Egyptians
C) The Greeks
D) The Romans
- 16. Which modern country does Diamond praise for its environmental policies?
A) Japan
B) Australia
C) China
D) United States
- 17. The Anasazi collapse occurred in what modern region?
A) Central Mexico
B) Amazon Basin
C) Peruvian Andes
D) Southwestern United States
- 18. What resource depletion affected both Easter Island and the Pitcairn Islanders?
A) Stone tools
B) Fresh water
C) Trees
D) Fish stocks
- 19. Rwanda is discussed as an example of collapse related to what issue?
A) Industrial pollution
B) Overpopulation
C) Foreign debt
D) Drought
- 20. Which Caribbean country does Diamond discuss as facing environmental challenges?
A) Cuba
B) Jamaica
C) Dominican Republic
D) Bahamas
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