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The Marquesas Islands are located in the North Atlantic Ocean.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Marquesas Islands are situated in the Southern Pacific Ocean, not the North Atlantic.
Mount Oave, the highest point in the Marquesas, is located on the island of Hiva Oa.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mount Oave, the highest point in the Marquesas, is located on the island of Ua Pou.
The Marquesas Islands are geographically divided into eastern and western groups.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Marquesas Islands are geographically divided into northern and southern groups.
All Marquesas Islands are volcanic in origin, with no exceptions.
Answer: False
Explanation: While most Marquesas Islands are volcanic, Motu One is an atoll.
Motu One is the largest island in the Marquesas archipelago.
Answer: False
Explanation: Motu One is the only atoll in the Marquesas, but it is a small sand bank, not the largest island.
The Marquesas Islands experience consistently high rainfall throughout the year, similar to other tropical Polynesian islands.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Marquesas Islands are drier than many other Polynesian islands due to their location relative to ocean currents.
Average annual precipitation is uniform across all Marquesas Islands, regardless of location.
Answer: False
Explanation: Precipitation in the Marquesas is highly variable, with windward areas receiving significantly more rain than leeward areas.
Which body of water surrounds the Marquesas Islands?
Answer: Southern Pacific Ocean
Explanation: The Marquesas Islands are situated in the Southern Pacific Ocean.
On which island is the highest point in the Marquesas Islands, Mount Oave, located?
Answer: Ua Pou
Explanation: Mount Oave, the highest point in the Marquesas, is located on the island of Ua Pou.
How are the Marquesas Islands primarily divided geographically?
Answer: Northern and Southern groups
Explanation: The Marquesas Islands are geographically divided into a northern group and a southern group.
What is the geological origin of most of the Marquesas Islands?
Answer: Volcanic activity from the Marquesas hotspot
Explanation: Most Marquesas Islands are volcanic in origin, formed by the Marquesas hotspot.
Which island is the only atoll in the Marquesas archipelago?
Answer: Motu One
Explanation: Motu One is the sole atoll within the Marquesas archipelago.
Why are the Marquesas Islands considered drier than many other Polynesian islands?
Answer: They are the first landmass encountered by dry winds after crossing a cool current.
Explanation: The islands' location relative to the cool Humboldt Current means prevailing winds are often dry by the time they reach the Marquesas.
Which statement best describes precipitation patterns in the Marquesas?
Answer: Highly variable, with windward areas receiving much more rain than leeward areas.
Explanation: Precipitation varies significantly, with windward regions receiving considerably more rainfall than leeward regions.
The Marquesas Islands were named by Ferdinand Magellan in 1595.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Marquesas Islands were named by Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira in 1595, not Ferdinand Magellan.
The arrival of Western explorers led to a significant population boom in the Marquesas due to new trade opportunities.
Answer: False
Explanation: The arrival of Western explorers led to a drastic population decline due to introduced diseases, not a population boom.
The Marquesas population decreased from approximately 100,000 in the late 18th century to just over 4,000 by the early 20th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: Historical estimates indicate a severe population decline from an estimated 80,000-100,000 in the late 18th century to just over 4,000 by the early 20th century.
Archaeological evidence suggests the Marquesas Islands were first settled by Polynesians around 500 AD.
Answer: False
Explanation: Recent archaeological studies indicate settlement occurred between approximately 1025 and 1290 AD, not around 500 AD.
Eiao island served as a crucial source of basalt for tools, traded across East Polynesia before European contact.
Answer: True
Explanation: Eiao island was a significant source of basalt, which was traded extensively across East Polynesia via canoes prior to European arrival.
The first European to visit the Marquesas Islands was Ferdinand Magellan in 1521.
Answer: False
Explanation: The first European visitor was Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira in 1595.
Joseph Ingraham named the southern Marquesas Islands the "Washington Islands" in 1791.
Answer: False
Explanation: Joseph Ingraham named the *northern* Marquesas Islands the "Washington Islands" in 1791.
Commodore David Porter successfully established a permanent U.S. territory in Nuku Hiva in 1813.
Answer: False
Explanation: Commodore David Porter claimed Nuku Hiva for the U.S. in 1813, but the claim was never ratified by Congress.
Sandalwood was a sustainable export resource for the Marquesas Islands throughout the 19th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sandalwood was exported briefly in the 19th century but was quickly depleted within four years.
France established control over the Marquesas Islands primarily through peaceful diplomatic negotiations in the mid-19th century.
Answer: False
Explanation: France established control through a military operation in 1842, supporting a local chief's claim.
The Marquesas Islands lost fewer people to Western diseases compared to other Polynesian island groups.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Marquesas Islands experienced higher mortality rates from Western diseases than other Polynesian island groups.
Robert Louis Stevenson visited the Marquesas Islands and wrote about them in his novel "Treasure Island."
Answer: False
Explanation: Robert Louis Stevenson visited the Marquesas and wrote about his experiences in "In the South Seas," not "Treasure Island."
Who named the Marquesas Islands in 1595, and in whose honor?
Answer: Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira, after García Hurtado de Mendoza
Explanation: Álvaro de Mendaña de Neira named the islands in 1595 in honor of García Hurtado de Mendoza, the 5th Marquis of Cañete.
What was the primary cause of the drastic population decline in the Marquesas following Western contact?
Answer: Introduction of infectious diseases to which natives had no immunity
Explanation: The introduction of diseases to which the indigenous population lacked immunity was the primary driver of the severe population decline.
By the early 20th century, the Marquesas population had fallen to what approximate level from an estimated 80,000-100,000 in the late 18th century?
Answer: Around 4,000
Explanation: The population plummeted from an estimated 80,000-100,000 in the late 18th century to approximately 4,000 by the early 20th century.
According to recent archaeological studies, when were the Marquesas Islands initially colonized by Polynesians?
Answer: Between 1025 and 1120 AD
Explanation: Recent archaeological findings suggest initial Polynesian colonization occurred between approximately 1025 and 1120 AD.
What valuable resource was briefly exported from the Marquesas in the 19th century before being quickly depleted?
Answer: Sandalwood
Explanation: Sandalwood was a valuable export resource in the 19th century but was rapidly depleted within four years.
How did France establish control over the Marquesas Islands in 1842?
Answer: Via a military operation supporting a local chief's claim
Explanation: France asserted control in 1842 through a military action that supported a local chief's claim, leading to the annexation of the islands.
The American maritime fur trader Joseph Ingraham named the northern Marquesas Islands after which prominent figure?
Answer: President George Washington of the United States
Explanation: Joseph Ingraham named the northern Marquesas Islands the 'Washington Islands' in honor of President George Washington.
What was the outcome of Commodore David Porter's 1813 claim of Nuku Hiva for the United States?
Answer: The claim was never ratified by the U.S. Congress.
Explanation: Commodore David Porter's 1813 claim of Nuku Hiva for the United States was never ratified by the U.S. Congress.
Taioha'e on Nuku Hiva serves as the capital of the Marquesas administrative division within French Polynesia.
Answer: True
Explanation: Taioha'e, located on Nuku Hiva, is the administrative capital of the Marquesas division of French Polynesia.
Marquesan residents generally prefer dealing exclusively with the government in Papeete, Tahiti, over direct contact with Paris.
Answer: False
Explanation: Some Marquesan residents express dissatisfaction with perceived neglect from Tahiti and prefer more direct contact with the French central government in Paris.
The Community of Communes of the Marquesas Islands (CODIM) was established in 2010 to foster cooperation among the islands.
Answer: True
Explanation: The CODIM was established in 2010 by the six communes of the Marquesas to facilitate intercommunal cooperation and address isolation.
Benoît Kautai, president of CODIM, also serves as the mayor of Ua Pou.
Answer: False
Explanation: Benoît Kautai is the president of CODIM and also serves as the mayor of Nuku Hiva, not Ua Pou.
A French Polynesian public auditor found the CODIM to be highly effective due to its substantial budget.
Answer: False
Explanation: A French Polynesian public auditor noted that the CODIM's effectiveness is limited by its very small budget.
The Marquesas Islands function as a deconcentrated subdivision for both the French central State and the government of French Polynesia.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Marquesas Islands serve dual administrative roles as deconcentrated subdivisions for both the French central State and the government of French Polynesia.
The territorial administrator (tavana hau) represents the French central State within the Marquesas.
Answer: False
Explanation: The territorial administrator (tavana hau) represents the government of French Polynesia; the State administrator represents the French central State.
All six communes in the Marquesas Islands are subdivided into associated communes.
Answer: False
Explanation: Only three of the six communes (Nuku-Hiva, Ua-Pou, and Hiva-Oa) are subdivided into associated communes.
What is the capital of the Marquesas administrative subdivision within French Polynesia?
Answer: Taioha'e
Explanation: Taioha'e, located on Nuku Hiva, serves as the capital of the Marquesas administrative subdivision.
What political issue has caused dissatisfaction among some Marquesan residents regarding Tahiti?
Answer: Perceived neglect by politicians based in Tahiti
Explanation: Some Marquesan residents feel neglected by politicians based in Tahiti, leading to calls for more direct relations with Paris.
What intercommunal organization was formed in the Marquesas in 2010?
Answer: The Community of Communes of the Marquesas Islands (CODIM)
Explanation: The Community of Communes of the Marquesas Islands (CODIM) was established in 2010 to foster cooperation among the island municipalities.
Which of the following is NOT one of the administrative roles the Marquesas Islands fulfill?
Answer: Administrative capital of French Polynesia
Explanation: The Marquesas Islands function as deconcentrated subdivisions but are not the administrative capital of French Polynesia.
Who does the territorial administrator (tavana hau) represent in the Marquesas Islands?
Answer: The government of French Polynesia
Explanation: The territorial administrator (tavana hau) represents the government of French Polynesia.
Which Marquesan communes are further subdivided into associated communes?
Answer: Nuku-Hiva, Ua-Pou, and Hiva-Oa
Explanation: The communes of Nuku-Hiva, Ua-Pou, and Hiva-Oa are subdivided into associated communes.
According to the 2017 census, over 70% of Marquesas residents were born outside the islands.
Answer: False
Explanation: In the 2017 census, 63.2% of residents were born in the Marquesas Islands, a decrease from 70.5% in 2007.
Marquesan languages are classified as part of the Austronesian language family, specifically within the East-Central Polynesian group.
Answer: True
Explanation: Marquesan languages belong to the Austronesian family and are classified within the East-Central Polynesian group.
A distinctive feature of Marquesan languages is the consistent use of the /r/ sound where other Polynesian languages use a glottal stop.
Answer: False
Explanation: A distinctive feature is the replacement of /r/ or /l/ sounds with a glottal stop, not the consistent use of /r/.
Traditional Marquesan art primarily features small, intricate carvings made from shell and bone.
Answer: False
Explanation: Traditional Marquesan art includes large wooden sculptures and intricate ornaments from shell and bone, featuring elaborate motifs.
In the 2017 census, Marquesan was spoken as the primary home language by a majority of residents aged 15 and older.
Answer: True
Explanation: In the 2017 census, 66.9% of residents aged 15 and older reported Marquesan as their primary home language.
What do the native Marquesan names, Te Fenua ‘Enata and Te Henua Enana, translate to?
Answer: The land of men
Explanation: Both Te Fenua ‘Enata and Te Henua Enana translate to 'the land of men'.
What percentage of the Marquesas population aged 15 and older reported speaking French in the 2017 census?
Answer: 97.0%
Explanation: In the 2017 census, 97.0% of residents aged 15 and older reported the ability to speak French.
What percentage of the Marquesas population aged 15 and older reported Marquesan as their primary home language in 2017?
Answer: 66.9%
Explanation: According to the 2017 census, 66.9% of residents aged 15 and older identified Marquesan as their primary home language.
What impact did missionaries have on traditional Marquesan practices?
Answer: They successfully ended cannibalism and human sacrifice.
Explanation: Missionaries succeeded in eradicating practices such as cannibalism and human sacrifice, although they also suppressed other cultural traditions.
How are the Marquesan languages generally divided?
Answer: North Marquesan and South Marquesan
Explanation: Marquesan languages are typically divided into North Marquesan and South Marquesan dialects.
What phonological feature distinguishes Marquesan languages from many other Polynesian languages?
Answer: The replacement of /r/ or /l/ with a glottal stop.
Explanation: A key phonological distinction is the substitution of /r/ or /l/ sounds with a glottal stop in Marquesan languages.
There are only two airports in the Marquesas Islands, located on Nuku Hiva and Hiva Oa.
Answer: False
Explanation: There are four airports in the Marquesas Islands: on Nuku Hiva, Ua Pou, Ua Huka, and Hiva Oa.
Tahuata lacks an airport due to its small population, while Fatu Hiva has an airstrip despite its low population.
Answer: False
Explanation: Tahuata lacks an airport due to irregular terrain, while Fatu Hiva has a plateau suitable for an airstrip but its low population makes it of dubious benefit.
The Marquesan Nature Reserves were established in 1992 to protect the islands from volcanic activity.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Marquesan Nature Reserves were established in 1992 primarily to address ecological damage caused by feral livestock, not volcanic activity.
The Marquesas Islands were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2024.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Marquesas Islands were inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List on July 31, 2024.
The UNESCO inscription of the Marquesas Islands primarily focuses on their modern economic development potential.
Answer: False
Explanation: The UNESCO inscription focuses on protecting indigenous populations and their heritage, not economic development.
The Cathedral of Our Lady of Taioha'e is located on the island of Hiva Oa.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Cathedral of Our Lady of Taioha'e is located in Taioha'e on the island of Nuku Hiva.
Which of the following islands does NOT have an airport?
Answer: Tahuata
Explanation: Tahuata is one of the Marquesas Islands that does not have an airport due to terrain limitations.
What was the purpose of establishing the Marquesan Nature Reserves in 1992?
Answer: To mitigate damage caused by feral livestock
Explanation: The Marquesan Nature Reserves were established in 1992 primarily to address ecological damage caused by feral livestock.
The Marquesas Islands were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site under which name?
Answer: Te Henua Enata
Explanation: The UNESCO World Heritage inscription for the Marquesas Islands uses the name Te Henua Enata.
What is the primary focus of the UNESCO World Heritage inscription for the Marquesas Islands?
Answer: Protecting indigenous populations and their heritage through conservation
Explanation: The UNESCO designation emphasizes the protection of indigenous populations and their cultural and natural heritage through conservation efforts.