Life on the Plains

Question 1

Why did Plains farming tribes normally settle in regions along rivers in eastern Oklahoma?A.These regions received more precipitation.B.These regions had a larger buffalo population.C.These regions had a more established trade route.D.These regions had fertile floodplains.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Question 2

Which of the following trading practices was done within tribes to gain social status and items? A. gift giving B. redundancy trading C. goods exchange D. the adoption ritual Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A

Question 3

How did men and women play different roles in the society of the Plains tribes? Describe their different responsibilities.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Usually, men would hunt the buffalo. They would also be responsible for performing rituals before and after the hunts. It was considered their role to stand in defense of the community. Women would prepare the buffalo after it had been killed. They would skin it, cut up the meat, and package it to be carried back to their homes. They were also responsible for providing clothing and shelter for their family.

Question 4

Farming tribes were generally comprised of __________ that lived near each other.A.villagesB.independent bandsC.matrilineal clansD.patrilineal clans

Revolt · Accepted Answer

A

Question 5

Why did farming tribes plant their crops on hillsides? A. to protect against landslides B. to make sure plants received more precipitation C. to prevent exposure and emergence of seeds D. to make sure that plants would be trampled less often by buffalo Please select the best answer from the choices provided

Revolt · Accepted Answer

C

Question 6

Which of the following was not a positive effect of farming tribes’ slash-and-burn technique?A.It provided fertilizer for crops.B.It slowed the growth of weeds.C.It removed blocking trees.D.It softened the tough prairie sod.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

D

Question 7

Explain the two ways a Plains tribe member could gain social status.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: First, social status usually came from one’s family and their wealth. A person with a wealthier family would have a higher social rank. This was often signified by the jewelry or adornment that a person had. If the jewelry was made out of expensive materials or things that came from long-distance trading, then that person might be considered to be of higher status. Social status could also be gained by military prowess. Someone who had proven himself in battle or in a raid would be held in higher esteem.

Question 8

Why did Plains Indians develop a sign language, and how did this language relate to how they communicated with other tribes?

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Plains Indians did not have a universal language. Each community spoke different tongues, but trade was still an important part of their society. In order to communicate well with other tribes, they relied on sign language in order to communicate the terms of the trade. This allowed them to carry out ceremonies and trade for goods.

Question 9

Why was the buffalo such an important animal to Plains tribes? Give at least three examples of products made using the buffalo.

Revolt · Accepted Answer

Responses may vary but should include some or all of the following information: Buffalo was at the center of tribal society because of how many ways it could be put to use. In addition to being a food source, a buffalo’s parts could be harvested to fulfill almost every need. Hides could be used to make clothing, tipis, or boats. Horns could be used to carve knives and spoons or to make farming tools. Hair could be woven into rope or thread. Each part of the buffalo was used creatively.

Life on the Plains Answers

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