Question 1

Many anthropologists have suggested that the life of a nomadic forager was not as hard and dangerous as many suppose.Some anthropologists,such as Marshall Sahlins,have gone so far as to suggest that foraging represented "the original affluent society."

Accepted Answer

Many anthropologists have indeed suggested that the life of a nomadic forager was not as hard and dangerous as commonly assumed, and Marshall Sahlins is known for arguing that foraging societies were in fact affluent in terms of their material and social well-being.

Question 2

With advances in agricultural technology,the amount of labour required to produce food increases,rather than decreases.

Accepted Answer

The answer of With advances in agricultural technology,the amount of...

Question 3

As an alternative to aggressive and environmentally damaging single crop farming practices,Ronald Nigh suggests a new approach that incorporates indigenous farming techniques.What is the name of the approach he uses?

Accepted Answer

The approach Ronald Nigh suggests is the agroecological approach, which incorporates indigenous farming techniques that are more sustainable and less environmentally damaging than traditional single crop farming practices.

Question 4

The wealth of the United States early in its history came as a result of white farmers using land claimed from displaced Native Americans,and worked by slave labour,to produce cotton for the textile industries of England and the United States.

Accepted Answer

This statement is true. The economic success of the United States in its early history was largely built on the exploitation of Native American land and the labor of enslaved Africans to produce cotton for textile industries.

Question 5

Britain's growth in the textile industry depended on military manoeuvres as much as it did on technological advancements.

Accepted Answer

During the Napoleonic Wars, Britain's textile industry experienced a surge in demand for military uniforms and other supplies, which helped to stimulate growth and innovation in the industry. This demand continued throughout the 19th century, as the British Empire expanded and colonial territories provided new markets for British textiles. However, technological advancements such as the spinning jenny and power loom also played a significant role in the growth of the industry.

Question 6

What type of population is most likely to impede the spread of infectious disease?

Accepted Answer

Small and scattered populations are less likely to spread infectious diseases because of less interaction and less contact with other people.

Question 7

Swidden agriculture remains efficient only if the population and the amount of land available remain constant.

Accepted Answer

Swidden agriculture, also known as slash-and-burn or shifting cultivation, relies on the natural regeneration of soil fertility during fallow periods. If the population grows or the amount of land decreases, the fallow periods shorten, leading to soil degradation and decreased efficiency.

Question 8

The Hadza of Tanzania often experience periods of starvation because there is limited food available for them to forage for on the rocky "barren land" savannah where they live.

Accepted Answer

The Hadza, a hunter-gatherer group in Tanzania, have a diverse diet from foraging and hunting in their environment, which includes a variety of plants, honey, and game, indicating an adaptation to their environment rather than experiencing frequent starvation.

Question 9

While conducting his research among the Ju/′hoansi,Richard Lee witnessed numerous times when they exhausted their food supply.

Accepted Answer

During his research among the Ju/′hoansi, Richard Lee observed that they had a deep knowledge of their environment and sustainable practices that prevented them from exhausting their food supply.

Question 10

As societies increase in complexity,what happens to incidences of infectious diseases?

Accepted Answer

As societies become more complex, factors such as increased population density, urbanization, and greater mobility contribute to an increase in the incidence of infectious diseases. These conditions facilitate the spread of pathogens among individuals.

Question 11

Famine is NOT caused by overpopulation and inefficient agricultural technology.

Accepted Answer

Famine is primarily caused by political and economic factors, such as war, drought, and poverty, rather than overpopulation or inefficient agricultural technology.

Question 12

Worldwide,what percentage of deaths can be attributed to infectious diseases?

Accepted Answer

Infectious diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for approximately 42% of all deaths.

Question 13

In Latin America,what does the medical condition called susto (also known as pasmo,espanto,or perdida de la somba refer to?

Accepted Answer

Susto is a cultural illness found in Latin America, where it is believed that a shocking or frightening event causes the soul to detach from the body, leading to various symptoms and requiring specific cultural treatments to reattach the soul.

Question 14

Britain demanded that the United States abolish slavery as a condition of buying American cotton.

Accepted Answer

Although Britain was an important market for American cotton and was opposed to slavery, there is no record of Britain demanding the abolition of slavery as a condition for buying American cotton. The British government did use diplomatic efforts to try to pressure the United States to end slavery, but this was not tied to economic trade deals.

Question 15

Foraging societies chose to adopt an agricultural lifestyle because agriculture is easier.

Accepted Answer

Foraging societies did not choose to adopt agriculture because it was easier. In fact, the transition to an agricultural lifestyle was often a difficult and risky process that required significant labor and investment. It is believed that societal and environmental factors, such as population growth and changing climatic conditions, played a larger role in the adoption of agriculture.

Question 16

Mark Cohen,in contrast to Leslie White,saw population density,and not technological advancement,as the motivating factor behind the development of agriculture.

Accepted Answer

Mark Cohen argued that population density was the key factor that drove the development of agriculture, not technological advancement, which was the emphasis of Leslie White's theory.

Question 17

According to Ronald Nigh,what is the reason for the destruction of the rainforest at a rapid rate?

Accepted Answer

According to Ronald Nigh, the destruction of the rainforest is primarily driven by the factory model of agriculture, which involves clear-cutting large areas of forest to make room for massive monoculture plantations. This model is driven by demand for commodities like palm oil and soybeans.

Question 18

Which of the following is explicitly recognized as a cause of illness in the curing techniques of the Ndembu people?

Accepted Answer

The answer of Which of the following is explicitly recognized...

Question 19

For the Ndembu,illness or disease may be caused by the actions of a witch or sorcerer,or by the disciplinary action of an ancestral ghost.What reason could be given for why a ghost ancestor would punish someone?

Accepted Answer

The Ndembu believe in ancestral spirits who can intervene in the lives of the living to enforce ethical behavior and harmonious relationships. Thus, if kin are not living well together, a disciplinary action from a ghost ancestor may be seen as fitting.

Question 20

Increased cultural complexity has decreased our exposure to infectious agents (pathogens).

Accepted Answer

Increased cultural complexity, including urbanization, globalization, and changes in human behavior and environment, has actually increased our exposure to infectious agents by facilitating their spread and creating new opportunities for human-pathogen interactions.

Quiz 2: The Meaning of Progress and Development