Environmental Factors and Early Human Settlement

What were the three important environmental factors that influenced early human settlement?

• Water, topography, and vegetation

• Mountains, deserts, and forests

• Rivers, lakes, and oceans

• Plains, valleys, and grasslands

Why was water the most important environmental factor in early human settlement?

• It provided a source of food

• It allowed for transportation

• It was necessary for survival

• It influenced the topography of an area

How did farmers benefit from settling near rivers?

• They could catch fish for food

• They could use river water to irrigate their crops

• They could trade goods with other countries

• They could hunt water birds for meat

Why did farmers prefer to settle in flat, open areas?

• The soil in these areas was ideal for growing crops

• These areas had abundant water sources

• These areas provided natural beauty

• These areas had a mild climate

Why were mountains less friendly to human settlement?

• They had steep slopes that were difficult to cross

• They had a lack of vegetation

• They had extreme temperatures

• They had frequent sandstorms

Why did deserts discourage settlement?

• They had a lack of water for farming

• They had a lack of vegetation

• They had extreme temperatures

• They had frequent sandstorms

What is vegetation?

• The shape and elevation of the land

• The type of soil in an area

• The plant life in an area

• The climate and weather patterns

How did vegetation influence early human settlement?

• Plants provided a source of food

• Plants provided shade from the hot sun

• Plants were used to make useful products

• All of the above