African History Quiz

Which ecosystem does this photo of Africa show?

• Rainforest

• Mediterranean

• Desert

• Savanna

Answer explanation

The correct ecosystem shown in the photo of Africa is Savanna, characterized by grasslands with scattered trees and shrubs, making it the right choice among the options provided.

Which of the following made possible the growth of the Trans-Saharan trade in western and northern Africa?

• Rainforests

• Iron deposits

• Camels

• Griots

Answer explanation

Camels made possible the growth of the Trans-Saharan trade in western and northern Africa by providing a means of transportation across the desert regions.

The raised, but flat region in the interior of Africa is

• The rainforest

• A plateau

• Valleys

• The desert

Answer explanation

The correct answer is a plateau because it is a raised, but flat region in the interior of Africa.

What two factors helped the leaders of Ghana to create a powerful empire?

• Religious tolerance and Islamic teachings

• Iron tools and Islamic teachings

• Trade and military expansion

• Iron tools and trade

Answer explanation

The correct factors that helped the leaders of Ghana to create a powerful empire were iron tools and trade, which enabled them to expand their influence and resources.

In which African empires was Islam an important religion?

• Kush and Axum

• Songhai and Kush

• Mali and Songhai

• Mali and Axum

Answer explanation

Islam was an important religion in the African empires of Mali and Songhai, making them the correct choices.

Which two kingdoms were involved in the gold and salt trade?

• Mali and Songhai

• Kush and Axum

• Mali and Axum

• Songhai and Kush

Answer explanation

Mali and Songhai were the two kingdoms involved in the gold and salt trade, making them the correct answer choices.

How did Ghana's rulers make sure that gold remained an important trade good?

• They controlled how much of it was available.

• They made beautiful jewelry from it.

• They traded it for salt.

• They required that all coins be made from it.

Answer explanation

Ghana's rulers controlled how much gold was available to ensure it remained an important trade good.

In West African cultures, who ranked just above traders in the social structure?

• The Emperor

• Kings and nobles

• Farmers

• Skilled workers

Answer explanation

In West African cultures, kings and nobles ranked just above traders in the social structure, indicating their higher status and influence within the community.

How was Axum different from Songhai?

• Axum was in East Africa, while Songhai was in West Africa. Axum was Christian while Songhai was Muslim.

• Axum had a powerful military, while Songhai was focused on scholarship. Axum controlled trade routes across the Sahara, while Songhai controlled trade routes to Arabia.

Answer explanation

Axum was in East Africa, while Songhai was in West Africa. Axum was Christian while Songhai was Muslim.

What culture developed in East Africa as a result of the region's involvement in overseas trade?

• Zagwe

• Kushite

• Nubian

• Swahili

Answer explanation

The correct choice is Swahili, as this culture developed in East Africa due to the region's involvement in overseas trade.