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The Rocky Mountains form the largest mountain system on the continent of Asia.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains constitute the largest mountain system in North America, not Asia.
Mount Elbert, the highest peak in the Rockies, is located in the Canadian province of Alberta.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mount Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, is located in Colorado, United States, not Alberta, Canada.
The Rocky Mountains extend in a straight line for approximately 4,800 kilometers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains stretch approximately 3,000 miles (4,800 km) in a straight-line distance.
The Rocky Mountains are entirely contained within the United States.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains span across both Canada and the United States.
The Rocky Mountains are considered the westernmost part of the North American Cordillera.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains are considered the easternmost portion of the North American Cordillera.
The northern terminus of the Rocky Mountains is definitively located at the Alaska-Yukon border.
Answer: False
Explanation: The northern terminus of the Rocky Mountains is defined differently, either at the Liard River in British Columbia or near the Alaska-Yukon border, but it is not definitively located solely at the Alaska-Yukon border.
The Cascade Range shares the same geological origin and age as the Rocky Mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains are distinct from the tectonically younger Cascade Range and Sierra Nevada, representing the easternmost part of the North American Cordillera.
Mount Robson is the highest peak within the United States portion of the Rocky Mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: Mount Robson is the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, located in British Columbia. Mount Elbert in Colorado is the highest peak in the U.S. Rockies.
The Continental Divide separates waters flowing to the Atlantic Ocean from those flowing to the Pacific Ocean.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Continental Divide of the Americas runs through the Rocky Mountains and serves as the watershed boundary separating waters flowing to the Atlantic from those flowing to the Pacific.
Triple Divide Peak is unique because water from its summit can flow into four different major bodies of water.
Answer: False
Explanation: Triple Divide Peak is notable because water from its summit reaches three major bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, the Pacific Ocean, and Hudson Bay.
What is the approximate straight-line distance the Rocky Mountains stretch across North America?
Answer: Approximately 3,000 miles (4,800 km)
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains stretch approximately 3,000 miles (4,800 km) in a straight-line distance across North America.
Which U.S. state contains Mount Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains?
Answer: Colorado
Explanation: Mount Elbert, the highest peak in the Rocky Mountains, is located in Colorado.
The Rocky Mountains are part of which larger mountain system?
Answer: The North American Cordillera
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains are considered the easternmost portion of the expansive North American Cordillera.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a Canadian province spanned by the Rocky Mountains?
Answer: Saskatchewan
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains span across Alberta and British Columbia in Canada. Saskatchewan is located to the east and is not part of the Rocky Mountain range.
What is the significance of the Continental Divide running through the Rockies?
Answer: It separates waters flowing to the Atlantic from those flowing to the Pacific.
Explanation: The Continental Divide running through the Rockies serves as the watershed boundary, separating waters that flow towards the Atlantic Ocean from those that flow towards the Pacific Ocean.
Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, is located in which province?
Answer: British Columbia
Explanation: Mount Robson, the highest peak in the Canadian Rockies, is located in British Columbia.
What is the approximate elevation of Triple Divide Peak, known for its unique watershed characteristics?
Answer: 8,020 feet (2,440 meters)
Explanation: Triple Divide Peak has an elevation of 8,020 feet (2,440 meters) and is notable for its watershed reaching three major bodies of water.
The formation of the Rocky Mountains is primarily attributed to the Laramide orogeny, occurring roughly 55 to 80 million years ago.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains formed between 55 and 80 million years ago during the Laramide orogeny, a period of mountain building driven by tectonic plate interactions.
Glacial erosion played a minimal role in shaping the modern landscape of the Rocky Mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: Glacial erosion played a significant role in sculpting the Rockies, creating features like U-shaped valleys and cirques.
The Rocky Mountains primarily consist of young volcanic rocks formed in the Cenozoic era.
Answer: False
Explanation: While volcanic rocks are present, the Rocky Mountains contain a complex mix of rocks, including ancient Precambrian metamorphic and sedimentary rocks, and were primarily formed by tectonic uplift during the Laramide orogeny, not solely by Cenozoic volcanism.
The Ancestral Rocky Mountains were formed much later than the current Rocky Mountains, around 10 million years ago.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Ancestral Rocky Mountains were formed approximately 300 million years ago, significantly earlier than the Laramide orogeny that formed the current Rocky Mountains (55-80 million years ago).
The shallow subduction of the Farallon Plate is hypothesized to be a key factor in the formation of the US Rocky Mountains.
Answer: True
Explanation: Scientists hypothesize that the Farallon Plate subducting at a shallow angle beneath the North American Plate contributed to the extensive thrust faulting and uplift that built the Rocky Mountains in the United States.
Glaciation in the Rockies primarily formed features like V-shaped valleys and moraines.
Answer: False
Explanation: Glacial erosion in the Rockies primarily formed U-shaped valleys and cirques, not V-shaped valleys which are typically formed by river erosion. Moraines are associated with glaciers, but U-shaped valleys are a more defining glacial feature mentioned.
The Laramide orogeny, responsible for the Rockies' formation, occurred primarily due to volcanic eruptions.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Laramide orogeny, responsible for the Rockies' formation, was primarily driven by tectonic plate subduction and uplift, not volcanic eruptions.
The Ancestral Rocky Mountains were formed from uplifted Precambrian metamorphic rock through younger sedimentary layers.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Ancestral Rocky Mountains were formed approximately 300 million years ago by the uplift of Precambrian metamorphic rock through younger sedimentary layers.
The Canadian portion of the Laramide orogeny is described as similar to a rug bunching up, creating wrinkles or mountains.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Laramide orogeny's effects in Canada are likened to a rug bunching up, creating wrinkles or mountains, contrasting with the shallow subduction model proposed for the U.S. Rockies.
What geological period and process are primarily associated with the formation of the Rocky Mountains?
Answer: The Laramide orogeny, driven by tectonic plate subduction
Explanation: The formation of the Rocky Mountains is primarily associated with the Laramide orogeny, a period of mountain building driven by tectonic plate subduction that occurred roughly 55 to 80 million years ago.
Which of the following geological features is explicitly mentioned as being formed by glaciation in the Rockies?
Answer: U-shaped valleys and cirques
Explanation: Periods of glaciation in the Rockies formed characteristic glacial landforms such as U-shaped valleys and cirques.
The Ancestral Rocky Mountains, formed around 300 million years ago, were largely composed of what type of rock pushed upward?
Answer: Precambrian metamorphic rock
Explanation: The Ancestral Rocky Mountains were formed largely from Precambrian metamorphic rock that was pushed upward through younger sedimentary layers.
Which hypothesis regarding the formation of the US Rocky Mountains involves the Farallon Plate subducting at a shallow angle?
Answer: The 'Shallow Subduction' hypothesis
Explanation: The hypothesis suggesting the Farallon Plate subducting at a shallow angle beneath the North American Plate is a key factor in the formation of the U.S. Rocky Mountains.
Sir Alexander Mackenzie was the first European to conduct a scientific reconnaissance of the Rocky Mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: Sir Alexander Mackenzie was the first European to cross the Rocky Mountains range in 1793, but the Lewis and Clark Expedition conducted the first scientific reconnaissance.
The name 'Rocky Mountains' originates from a Spanish term describing the rugged terrain.
Answer: False
Explanation: The name 'Rocky Mountains' is a translation from an Algonquian name, specifically from the Plains Cree language, meaning 'rocky mountain'.
Jacques Legardeur de Saint-Pierre first recorded the name 'Rocky Mountains' in European journals in 1752.
Answer: True
Explanation: Jacques Legardeur de Saint-Pierre recorded the name 'Rocky Mountains' (as 'montagnes de Roche') in his European journals in 1752.
Indigenous peoples, including the Shoshone and Blackfoot tribes, have inhabited the Rocky Mountains since the last ice age.
Answer: True
Explanation: Indigenous peoples, such as the Shoshone and Blackfoot tribes, have inhabited the Rocky Mountains since the last ice age, with Paleo-Indians hunting large game in the region.
Indigenous hunting practices and deliberate burning are believed to have had no significant impact on the Rocky Mountain environment.
Answer: False
Explanation: Evidence suggests that indigenous people significantly influenced mammal populations through hunting and altered vegetation patterns through deliberate burning practices in the Rocky Mountains.
The arrival of Europeans had minimal impact on Native American cultures in the Rockies, introducing only minor technological changes.
Answer: False
Explanation: The arrival of Europeans profoundly changed Native American societies, introducing horses, metal tools, rifles, and diseases, leading to significant cultural shifts and population declines.
Mountain men, primarily of French, Spanish, and British origin, were active in the Rockies seeking furs and minerals from the late 18th century.
Answer: True
Explanation: Mountain men, predominantly of French, Spanish, and British descent, were active in the Rocky Mountains from the late 18th century, primarily seeking furs and minerals.
The Anglo-American Convention of 1818 set the boundary between the US and British North America at the 50th parallel north.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Anglo-American Convention of 1818 established the 49th parallel north as the international boundary west from the 'Stony Mountains' (Rockies), initiating a period of joint occupancy for lands further west.
The Oregon Trail facilitated westward expansion by allowing thousands of settlers to traverse the Rocky Mountains starting in the 1840s.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Oregon Trail, beginning in the 1840s, was a crucial route for westward expansion, enabling thousands of settlers to travel across the Rocky Mountains.
The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 had little impact on transportation across the Rocky Mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: The completion of the transcontinental railroad in 1869 significantly impacted transportation and settlement across North America, including access to the Rocky Mountains.
The Canadian Pacific Railway's construction led to the establishment of national parks in the Canadian Rockies to promote tourism.
Answer: True
Explanation: The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway facilitated access to the Canadian Rockies and led to the establishment of national parks, fostering a tourism industry.
English is the predominant language, but Spanish and indigenous languages are also spoken in the Rockies.
Answer: True
Explanation: English is the primary language spoken across the Rocky Mountains, but Spanish and indigenous languages are also used in various communities within the region.
Who was the first European explorer credited with crossing the Rocky Mountains range in 1793?
Answer: Sir Alexander Mackenzie
Explanation: Sir Alexander Mackenzie was the first European explorer credited with crossing the Rocky Mountains range in 1793.
The name 'Rocky Mountains' is a direct translation of which language group's term for 'rocky mountain'?
Answer: Algonquian (Plains Cree)
Explanation: The name 'Rocky Mountains' is a calque, or translation, of an Algonquian name, specifically from the Plains Cree language, meaning 'rocky mountain'.
What major historical event starting in the 1840s saw thousands of settlers traveling through the Rocky Mountains?
Answer: The Oregon Trail migration
Explanation: The Oregon Trail migration, beginning in the 1840s, saw thousands of settlers traveling through the Rocky Mountains as part of westward expansion.
The construction of which railway significantly influenced the development and tourism potential of the Canadian Rockies?
Answer: The Canadian Pacific Railway
Explanation: The construction of the Canadian Pacific Railway significantly influenced the development and tourism potential of the Canadian Rockies, leading to the establishment of national parks.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition is noted for conducting the first what in the Rocky Mountains?
Answer: Scientific reconnaissance
Explanation: The Lewis and Clark Expedition (1804-1806) is noted for conducting the first scientific reconnaissance of the Rocky Mountains.
What impact did European arrival have on Native American populations in the Rockies, according to the source?
Answer: Caused profound changes including extirpation due to disease, warfare, and habitat loss.
Explanation: European arrival caused profound changes for Native American populations in the Rockies, leading to extirpation due to disease, warfare, and habitat loss.
The Oregon Treaty of 1846 resolved territorial disagreements concerning lands west of the Rockies between the United States and which other nation?
Answer: The United Kingdom
Explanation: The Oregon Treaty of 1846 resolved territorial disagreements concerning lands west of the Rockies between the United States and the United Kingdom.
The initial economic exploitation of the Rocky Mountains following European exploration was driven by timber resources.
Answer: False
Explanation: The source indicates that the initial economic exploitation of the Rocky Mountains following European exploration was driven by minerals and furs, with mining becoming the first major industry. Timber resources became significant later.
Gold rushes between 1859 and 1864 established forestry as the primary industry in the Rockies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Gold rushes between 1859 and 1864 established mining as the Rockies' first major industry, not forestry.
After initial settlement, the main economic activities in the Rockies included mining, forestry, agriculture, and recreation.
Answer: True
Explanation: Following initial settlement, economic development in the Rockies centered on mining, forestry, agriculture, and recreation, supported by various service industries.
Significant deposits of precious metals like platinum and palladium are commonly found in the Rocky Mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains contain significant deposits of minerals such as copper, gold, lead, molybdenum, silver, tungsten, and zinc, but platinum and palladium are not commonly listed as major resources.
The Rocky Mountains contain substantial reserves of fossil fuels, including coal and natural gas.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains region holds substantial reserves of fossil fuels, including coal, natural gas, oil shale, and petroleum.
Abandoned mines and toxic waste are not a significant environmental issue in the Rocky Mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: Abandoned mines and associated toxic wastes are a significant environmental issue throughout the Rocky Mountains, impacting water quality and ecosystems.
The San Juan Basin is a major source of coalbed methane within the Rocky Mountains region.
Answer: True
Explanation: The San Juan Basin, located in New Mexico and Colorado, is identified as a significant source of coalbed methane within the Rocky Mountains region.
Transhumance, the seasonal movement of livestock, is not practiced in the Rocky Mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: Transhumance, the seasonal movement of livestock between high-elevation summer pastures and low-elevation winter pastures, is a common practice in the Rocky Mountains.
What were the primary natural resources driving the initial economic exploitation of the Rockies after European exploration?
Answer: Minerals and furs
Explanation: The initial economic exploitation of the Rocky Mountains following European exploration was driven by minerals and furs.
Which of the following is NOT listed as a significant mineral resource found in the Rocky Mountains?
Answer: Uranium
Explanation: The Rocky Mountains contain significant deposits of gold, silver, and copper, among other minerals. Uranium is not listed as a commonly found significant mineral resource in the provided context.
What term describes the practice of moving livestock between high-elevation summer pastures and low-elevation winter pastures in the Rockies?
Answer: Transhumance
Explanation: Transhumance is the practice of moving livestock seasonally between high-elevation summer pastures and low-elevation winter pastures, a practice common in the Rocky Mountains.
What environmental issue is specifically cited in the source related to decades of zinc mining in Colorado?
Answer: Pollution of the Eagle River
Explanation: Decades of zinc mining in Colorado led to the pollution of the Eagle River, harming aquatic life and impacting local recreation and property values.
Which of the following is a significant coalbed methane resource area mentioned within the Rocky Mountains?
Answer: The San Juan Basin
Explanation: The San Juan Basin is mentioned as a significant coalbed methane resource area within the Rocky Mountains region.
Precipitation levels in the Rocky Mountains are consistently high, averaging over 50 inches annually across the entire range.
Answer: False
Explanation: Precipitation levels vary significantly, ranging from about 10 inches annually in southern valleys to locally 60 inches on northern peaks, not consistently over 50 inches across the entire range.
Ecologists classify the environments within the Rockies solely based on elevation.
Answer: False
Explanation: Ecologists divide the Rockies into biotic zones defined by their ability to support trees and the presence of specific indicator species, which is more complex than solely elevation.
Apex predators like grizzly bears and wolves have been completely eradicated from the U.S. Rocky Mountains.
Answer: False
Explanation: Conservation measures and reintroduction programs have led to partial recovery of apex predators like grizzly bears and wolf packs in the U.S. Rockies, after they had been extirpated from their original ranges.
Common hazards for visitors in the Rocky Mountains include encounters with large predators and adverse weather conditions.
Answer: True
Explanation: Visitors to the Rocky Mountains face hazards such as encounters with large predators like bears and mountain lions, as well as environmental risks like adverse weather and snow conditions.
Accidental deaths in the Rockies related to climbing have exclusively resulted from falls from cliffs.
Answer: False
Explanation: Accidental deaths related to climbing in the Rockies have resulted from various causes, including falls from steep cliffs and falling rocks, not exclusively falls from cliffs.
Which of these species is mentioned as having experienced declines due to European-American settlement in the Rockies?
Answer: Bighorn sheep
Explanation: Bighorn sheep are mentioned as one of the species that have experienced declines due to European-American settlement in the Rocky Mountains.
What hazard is mentioned regarding climbing accidents in the Rocky Mountains?
Answer: Falls from steep cliffs or falling rocks
Explanation: Hazards mentioned regarding climbing accidents in the Rocky Mountains include falls from steep cliffs and falling rocks.
Millions of tourists visit the Rocky Mountains annually primarily for industrial tours and mining exhibitions.
Answer: False
Explanation: Millions of tourists visit the Rocky Mountains annually primarily for recreational activities like hiking, camping, and mountain sports, not industrial tours or mining exhibitions.
Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are located in the Canadian Rockies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Yellowstone National Park and Grand Teton National Park are located in the U.S. Rocky Mountains, not the Canadian Rockies.
Banff National Park is a major national park located within the United States Rockies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Banff National Park is a major national park located within the Canadian Rockies, not the United States Rockies.
The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park encompasses parks in both Canada and the United States.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park designates Glacier National Park in Montana (USA) and Waterton Lakes National Park in Alberta (Canada), highlighting international cooperation.
Skiing and snowboarding are the primary recreational activities during the summer months in the Rockies.
Answer: False
Explanation: Skiing and snowboarding are primary winter recreational activities. Summer activities typically include hiking, camping, and mountain sports.
Which of the following is a major national park located in the U.S. Rocky Mountains?
Answer: Rocky Mountain National Park
Explanation: Rocky Mountain National Park is a major national park located within the U.S. Rocky Mountains. Banff, Jasper, and Kootenay are in the Canadian Rockies.
The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park highlights cooperation between which two countries?
Answer: Canada and United States
Explanation: The Waterton-Glacier International Peace Park is a designation for parks in Canada and the United States, highlighting cooperation between these two countries.
What are the primary attractions for tourists visiting the Rocky Mountains annually?
Answer: Hiking, camping, and mountain sports
Explanation: Millions of tourists visit the Rocky Mountains annually primarily for recreational activities such as hiking, camping, and various mountain sports.
Which of the following is a primary winter recreational activity in the Rocky Mountains?
Answer: Skiing and snowboarding
Explanation: Skiing and snowboarding are the main recreational activities during the winter season in the Rocky Mountains.