Which of the following is an accurate example of how civilizations were impacted by physical geography?
A. The government and religions of Southeast Asia were similar to Euresia, because it was connected by rivers.
B. The Swahili in Africa were exposed to Christianity by Arab traders due to the trade winds of the Indian Ocean.
C. North and south China were united throughout history because of the lack of physical barriers.
D. The Saharan desert was a physical boundary that isolated north and south Africa from one another.
D. The Saharan desert was a physical boundary that isolated north and south Africa from one another.
D. The Saharan desert was a physical boundary that isolated north and south Africa from one another.
The correct answer is D. The Sahara desert acted as a physical barrier, preventing easy communication and interaction between the civilizations in the northern and southern parts of Africa. This geographic feature had a significant impact on the flow of ideas, trade, and cultural exchange, ultimately leading to differences in the development of civilizations on either side of the desert.
To determine which of the options is an accurate example of how civilizations were impacted by physical geography, let's analyze each option and its relationship to physical geography.
A. The statement in option A suggests that Southeast Asia and Eurasia had similar governments and religions because they were connected by rivers. To verify this, you can consider the geographic characteristics of the region in question, such as the river systems and their potential influence on trade, cultural exchange, and migration. By studying historical records and assessing how these geographic features shaped civilizations, you can determine if this statement accurately reflects the impact of physical geography.
B. Option B proposes a connection between the Swahili in Africa and the spread of Christianity due to the trade winds of the Indian Ocean. In this case, researching the historical trade routes, examining records of the interactions between Arab traders and the Swahili, and understanding the significance of the Indian Ocean as a trade route could help verify the accuracy of this statement.
C. The statement in option C claims that north and south China were united throughout history due to the lack of physical barriers. To assess the accuracy of this, one can examine the geography of China, including mountains, rivers, and other physical barriers, along with historical records to understand how these geographic factors influenced the unity or division of the region.
D. Option D suggests that the Saharan desert served as a physical boundary, isolating north and south Africa from each other. To verify this claim, you can study maps of Africa, understand the climate and geography of the Sahara desert, and examine historical evidence to determine the impact of this physical barrier on the civilizations in the region.
By researching and evaluating the geographic characteristics and historical records associated with each option, you can determine the accuracy of the statement and identify which option reflects an accurate example of how civilizations were impacted by physical geography.