Use the following table to identify five historical events influenced by the depletion of natural resources. Explain each event in at least 150 words.

Event What Happened?
Example: Easter Island
This island, now called Rapa Nui, is most notable for giant rock statues called Moais that look out over the ocean. Easter Island’s native population base is estimated to have peaked around 15,000 people.

However, around the year 1600, the population rapidly collapsed. The reason for the collapse, hypothetically, can be attributed to deforestation and overpopulation. Trees are naturally scarce in this area of the world. The residents cut down the few trees on the island to move the statues to their oceanside positions. This deforestation resulted in accelerated soil erosion. The damage to the soil made it difficult to grow enough food to sustain the relatively large population of this isolated area.

This inability to grow enough food for the population, along with the introduction of disease to the isolated island, eventually led to the end of this society.






Use the following table to distinguish between renewable and nonrenewable resources. Describe and compare each resource in at least 150 words.

Renewable Nonrenewable


In 200 to 300 words, assess the use of fossil fuels and minerals in your state, country, or the world.

To identify five historical events influenced by the depletion of natural resources, we can refer to the provided table.

1. Event: Easter Island
Easter Island experienced a rapid collapse in its population around 1600. This collapse was possibly caused by deforestation and overpopulation. The islanders cut down the trees to move the Moai statues, leading to soil erosion and the inability to grow enough food. Combined with the introduction of disease, this resulted in the downfall of the society.

2. Event: Mesopotamian Civilization
Mesopotamia, located in present-day Iraq, relied on irrigation for agriculture. However, the excessive use of water for irrigation led to salinization of the soil, rendering the land unfit for farming. This depletion of freshwater resources contributed to the decline of the once-thriving civilization.

3. Event: Roman Empire
The Roman Empire was heavily reliant on its extensive mineral resources. However, the overexploitation of these minerals, such as gold, silver, and iron ores, led to their depletion. This resource depletion, combined with other factors, contributed to the decline of the empire.

4. Event: Mayan Civilization
The Mayan civilization faced challenges due to environmental degradation. Deforestation to clear land for agriculture, coupled with drought and soil erosion caused by improper land management, contributed to the collapse of many Mayan cities. The depletion of resources played a significant role in the decline of this civilization.

5. Event: Industrial Revolution
During the Industrial Revolution, the increased demand for natural resources, such as coal and timber, led to their overconsumption and depletion. The extraction and burning of fossil fuels, along with extensive deforestation, had dramatic consequences on the environment, including air and water pollution.

It is evident from these historical events that the depletion of natural resources can have severe consequences on societies and civilizations. Understanding and managing the sustainable use of resources is crucial to avoid such outcomes in the future.