Creating Annotated Relief Maps of Ancient China: Critical Thinking Questions Directions: Answer the following questions using your Annotated Relief Map of Ancient China. Cite information on your map to back up your answers.
Critical Thinking Question A: Most people in ancient China settled on the North China Plain. Explain why this was true by considering the following:
1. What elevation levels might be unsuitable for human settlement?
2. Which locations might be too hot or too cold for farming?
3. Which locations might provide the best sources of water to fulfill human needs?
4. Which locations might provide vegetation for domesticated animals such as cattle and pigs?
Critical Thinking Question B: China was isolated from the rest of the world during ancient times. Explain why this was true by considering the following:
1. How might elevation make it difficult to enter and exit China from the west and southwest?
2. What physiographic features might protect China from northern invaders?
3. How might the seas east of China act as barriers to trade and travel?
4. How might vegetation act as an obstacle to invaders trying to attack southern China?
Critical Thinking Question C: A number of different cultures developed within ancient China. Explain why this was true by considering the following:
1. How might the different elevation levels separate people?
2. How might differences in temperature affect the way people dressed?
3. How might differences in precipitation affect the types of housing that people built?
4. How might the different types of vegetation affect people's diets?