SAT II World History : Prehistory to 500 C.E.

Study concepts, example questions & explanations for SAT II World History

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Example Questions

Example Question #2 : North And South America Prior To 500 C.E.

Which of the following groups are indigenous people who have inhabited the tundra of North America since at least 3000 B.C.E.?

Possible Answers:

The Inuit

The Pueblo

The Iroquois

The Sioux

The Shoshone

Correct answer:

The Inuit

Explanation:

The Inuit people (often popularly called "Eskimos") have inhabited the Arctic tundra since at least 3000 B.C.E. Their society was based around hunting caribou and seals, and they survive in the very coldest regions of North America to this day.

Example Question #11 : Other Global Regions

Which of these is the earliest known Mesoamerican civilization? 

Possible Answers:

The Olmecs

The Maya

The Incas

The Nazcas

The Aztecs

Correct answer:

The Olmecs

Explanation:

The earliest known civilization in Mesoamerica is the Olmec Empire. The Olmec Empire emerged approximately 1500 BCE and lasted as an empire until approximately 400 BCE. The Olmec people are known for their unique art and architecture.

Example Question #3 : North And South America Prior To 500 C.E.

Tehuacan was an early agricultural community in which moden-day country?

Possible Answers:

Brazil

United States of America

Colombia

Costa Rica

Mexico

Correct answer:

Mexico

Explanation:

The Agricultural Revolution took place in Mesoamerica around 5,000 B.C.E. The earliest known agricultural site in the Americas is at Tehuacan in modern-day Mexico. Even if you did not know the answer to this question you could have reasonably inferred from the similarities between Tehuacan and Teotihuacan (a well-known Aztec community). 

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