Polynesian Culture and History Assessment

The video explores the Polynesian Triangle, highlighting its cultural and linguistic connections. It traces the origins of the Lapita people from Taiwan and their expansion across the Pacific, forming a unique cultural complex. The video discusses the impact of human settlement on island ecosystems and the development of diverse Polynesian societies. It concludes with a reflection on the significance of Polynesian history and archaeology.

What are the three points that define the Polynesian Triangle?

• Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu

• Fiji, Samoa, Tonga

• Tahiti, Marquesas, Cook Islands

• Hawaii, New Zealand, Easter Island

Which language family do Polynesian languages belong to?

• Indo-European

• Sino-Tibetan

• Austronesian

• Niger-Congo

Where did the Lapita people's ancestors originate from?

• Philippines

• Taiwan

• Indonesia

• Japan

What was a key factor in the rapid expansion of the Lapita people?

• Technological advancements

• Social structure

• Demographic growth

• Climate change

What was the 'long pause' in Polynesian expansion?

• A phase of rapid technological development

• A period of 500 years with no exploration

• A time when Polynesians returned to Asia

• A 1500-year gap before further settlement

What was Thor Heyerdahl's incorrect theory about Polynesian origins?

• Polynesians came from South America

• Polynesians migrated from Europe

• Polynesians were native to the Pacific

• Polynesians originated from Africa

What was a significant impact of human settlement on Polynesian islands?

• Development of new languages

• Introduction of new technologies

• Deforestation and species extinction

• Increased biodiversity

Which bird species was driven to extinction in New Zealand due to human activity?

• Dodo

• Moa

• Great Auk

• Passenger Pigeon

How did Polynesian societies adapt to low-lying atolls?

• By developing advanced irrigation systems

• By relying on marine resources and limited agriculture

• By building large stone structures

• By domesticating large animals

What makes Polynesian islands significant for understanding social and ecological systems?

• Their isolation from other cultures

• Their diverse cultural changes and environmental adaptations

• Their advanced technological developments

• Their large populations