Collapse Reading Questions

NW Academy Name:

Earth Science Date:

Collapse: Easter Island Case Study

Reading Assignment:

• Pgs. 79-82 (including map)
• Pgs. 98-110
• Pgs. 115-120

Follow-up Questions:

Please answer these questions thoroughly (but not excessively!). Type your response and bring a printed copy to class on Thursday after break.

***Cite the text directly in at least three of your responses***

Questions for: pgs. 79-82, map, pgs.98-110

1. Were all of the different classes of citizens on Easter Island responsible for the same proportion of resources abuse?
2. Were resources shared equally among the islanders?
3. Was the class of citizens who used the most also responsible for managing the resources?
1. If you answered yes, explain why this could result in an abuse of power and resources.

4. Were all of the resources used for practical or necessary purposes? Give three examples of how you think the Easter Islander’s mismanaged their resources.

5. Were the Easter Islanders aware of their impending collapse? Were they pro-active about avoiding collapse? Explain
6. Were the resources used to make the Moai and Ahu renewable? Explain.
7. Were the resources used to transport the Moai and Ahu renewable? Explain

Questions for: pgs. 115-120

8. On page 119, what does Diamond mean by: "...people see the collapse of Easter Island society as a Metaphor, a worst-case scenario, for what may lie ahead of us."?

Checklist

• I have answered all the questions thoroughly, but not excessively.
• I have directly cited the text at least three times in my responses.
• I have included quotations and page numbers for my citations.
• I have typed my response and printed it before class.