Welcome!

Enter a player name to begin or load your saved progress.

Tibet Wiki2Web Clarity Challenge

Study Hints Create Teach
Global Score: 0
Trophies: 0 🏆

‹ Back

Score: 0 / 100

Study Guide: Tibet: Geography, History, and Culture

Cheat Sheet:
Tibet: Geography, History, and Culture Study Guide

Tibetan Geography and Environment

The average elevation of Tibet is significantly lower than that of the Andes mountain range.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tibet's average elevation is 4,380 meters (14,000 feet), making it the highest region on Earth, which is significantly higher than the average elevation of the Andes.

Return to Game

Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is located entirely within Nepal and does not border Tibet.

Answer: False

Explanation: Mount Everest, the world's highest peak, is located on the border between Tibet and Nepal.

Return to Game

The Tibetan Plateau is the source of the Nile River.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau is the source of major Asian rivers, but not the Nile River.

Return to Game

Tibet is referred to as the 'Water Tower' of Asia because it contains the largest freshwater lakes in the world.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tibet is called the 'Water Tower' of Asia as the plateau is the source of many major Asian rivers.

Return to Game

Tibet experiences a predominantly warm and humid climate for most of the year.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tibet's climate is severely dry for about nine months annually, with limited snowfall.

Return to Game

The grasslands of the Tibetan Plateau are grazed by animals such as yaks and wild horses (kiangs).

Answer: True

Explanation: The grasslands of Tibet are grazed by animals including Tibetan antelopes, gazelles, and kiangs.

Return to Game

According to the text, what is the average elevation of Tibet, and what distinction does this give the region?

Answer: 4,380 meters, establishing it as the highest region on Earth.

Explanation: Tibet's average elevation is 4,380 meters (14,000 feet), making it the highest region on Earth.

Return to Game

Why is the Tibetan Plateau often referred to as the 'Water Tower' of Asia?

Answer: It is the source of numerous major Asian rivers.

Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau is called the 'Water Tower' of Asia because it is the source of numerous major rivers.

Return to Game

Which of the following is NOT listed as a major Asian river originating from the Tibetan Plateau?

Answer: Tigris River

Explanation: The Tibetan Plateau is the source of major Asian rivers including the Indus, Mekong, Ganges, Salween, and Yarlung Tsangpo, but not the Tigris River.

Return to Game

Tibetan Empire and Early History

The Tibetan Empire significantly expanded its territory during the 10th century CE.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tibetan Empire reached its territorial peak in the 9th century CE, not the 10th century.

Return to Game

At its peak in the 9th century, the Tibetan Empire's territory was confined solely to the Tibetan Plateau.

Answer: False

Explanation: At its 9th-century peak, the Tibetan Empire extended significantly beyond the plateau to the Tarim Basin, Pamirs, Yunnan, and Bengal.

Return to Game

A succession dispute and civil war led to the fragmentation of the Tibetan Empire in the mid-9th century.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Tibetan Empire collapsed in the mid-9th century due to a civil war over succession.

Return to Game

The Tibetan Empire reached its territorial peak in which century?

Answer: 9th century

Explanation: The Tibetan Empire reached its territorial peak in the 9th century CE.

Return to Game

What internal factor led to the collapse of the Tibetan Empire in the mid-9th century?

Answer: A civil war over succession

Explanation: The Tibetan Empire collapsed in the mid-9th century due to a civil war over succession.

Return to Game

Tibet under Imperial Rule and Foreign Influence

The Chinese name for Tibet, Xizang, translates to 'Eastern Tsang'.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Chinese name for Tibet, Xizang, literally means 'Western Tsang'.

Return to Game

During the Yuan dynasty, Tibet was administered directly by the Emperor without any intermediary administrative bodies.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Yuan dynasty administered Tibet via the Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs (Xuanzheng Yuan), overseeing a 'dpon-chen' (administrator) while the Sakya lama had autonomy.

Return to Game

The 5th Dalai Lama unified the Tibetan heartland by defeating rival sects with the help of the Mongol leader Gushi Khan.

Answer: True

Explanation: The 5th Dalai Lama unified the Tibetan heartland under the Gelug school with assistance from Gushi Khan.

Return to Game

Qing dynasty rule in Tibet commenced following their successful expulsion of the Dzungars in 1720.

Answer: True

Explanation: Qing dynasty rule in Tibet began with their 1720 expedition that expelled the Dzungars.

Return to Game

The 1904 British expedition to Tibet resulted in the establishment of British colonial rule over the region.

Answer: False

Explanation: The 1904 British expedition resulted in the Convention Between Great Britain and Tibet, granting Britain economic influence but not establishing colonial rule.

Return to Game

What does the Chinese name 'Xizang' for Tibet literally mean?

Answer: Western Tsang

Explanation: The Chinese name for Tibet, Xizang, literally means 'Western Tsang'.

Return to Game

Under which dynasty was Tibet administered through the Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs (Xuanzheng Yuan)?

Answer: Yuan Dynasty

Explanation: The Yuan dynasty administered Tibet via the Bureau of Buddhist and Tibetan Affairs (Xuanzheng Yuan), overseeing a 'dpon-chen' (administrator) while the Sakya lama had autonomy.

Return to Game

Who assisted the 5th Dalai Lama in unifying the Tibetan heartland under the Gelug school?

Answer: The Mongol leader Gushi Khan

Explanation: The 5th Dalai Lama unified the Tibetan heartland under the Gelug school with assistance from Gushi Khan.

Return to Game

The Qing dynasty formally began its administration and influence in Tibet following which event?

Answer: The expulsion of the Dzungars in 1720

Explanation: Qing dynasty rule in Tibet began with their 1720 expedition that expelled the Dzungars.

Return to Game

What was a primary outcome of the 1904 British expedition to Tibet?

Answer: The signing of a treaty granting Britain significant economic influence.

Explanation: The 1904 British expedition resulted in the Convention Between Great Britain and Tibet, granting Britain economic influence but not establishing colonial rule.

Return to Game

The 'Patron and Priest Relationship' (*yon-mchod*) was a significant dynamic primarily during which historical period in Tibet?

Answer: The Yuan Dynasty

Explanation: The 'Patron and Priest Relationship' (*yon-mchod*) was a significant political-religious dynamic, especially during the Yuan dynasty.

Return to Game

What was the purpose of the 'Golden Urn' system introduced by the Qing dynasty?

Answer: To select high lamas, including the Dalai Lama.

Explanation: The 'Golden Urn' system, introduced by the Qing dynasty, was used to select reincarnations of high lamas.

Return to Game

Modern Tibet: Political and Social Transformation

The People's Republic of China annexed Tibet in 1951, following the Seventeen Point Agreement.

Answer: False

Explanation: The PRC annexed Tibet in 1950, followed by the Seventeen Point Agreement.

Return to Game

During the Cultural Revolution, Tibetan monasteries were largely preserved and protected by the Red Guards.

Answer: False

Explanation: During the Cultural Revolution, Tibetan monasteries were largely ransacked and destroyed.

Return to Game

The Qingzang railway, opened in 2006, is known for being the world's highest railway line.

Answer: True

Explanation: The Qingzang railway, opened in 2006, is the world's highest railway and has been controversial.

Return to Game

Human rights groups have praised the Chinese government's policies regarding religious freedom in Tibet.

Answer: False

Explanation: Human rights groups cite abuses like torture, arbitrary arrests, religious repression, and suppression of Tibetan culture.

Return to Game

The People's Republic of China annexed Tibet in 1950 under what subsequent agreement?

Answer: The Seventeen Point Agreement

Explanation: The PRC annexed Tibet in 1950, followed by the Seventeen Point Agreement.

Return to Game

What significant impact did the Cultural Revolution have on Tibetan monasteries?

Answer: They were largely ransacked and destroyed.

Explanation: During the Cultural Revolution, Tibetan monasteries were largely ransacked and destroyed.

Return to Game

What controversy surrounds the Qingzang railway, opened in 2006?

Answer: Its environmental impact and cultural implications.

Explanation: The Qingzang railway, opened in 2006, is the world's highest railway and has been controversial due to its environmental impact and cultural implications.

Return to Game

What discovery under the Tibetan Plateau in 2007 raised concerns among critics?

Answer: A large mineral deposit

Explanation: A $128 billion mineral deposit discovered in 2007 under the plateau raises concerns about environmental and cultural harm.

Return to Game

Tibetan Culture: Religion, Language, and Arts

Tibet is primarily recognized as an ethno-cultural region situated in the western part of East Asia.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tibet is recognized as an ethno-cultural region situated in the western part of East Asia, encompassing the Tibetan Plateau.

Return to Game

The Tibetan language is classified as part of the Indo-Aryan language family.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tibetan language is classified as part of the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family.

Return to Game

Tibetan Buddhism is the only religion practiced within Tibet.

Answer: False

Explanation: While Tibetan Buddhism is the dominant religion, other faiths such as Bön, Islam, and Christianity are also practiced in Tibet.

Return to Game

Tibetans refer to their homeland using the endonym 'Xizang'.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tibetans refer to their homeland using the endonym 'Bod'.

Return to Game

The Tibetan language is classified as part of the Indo-Aryan language family.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Tibetan language is classified as part of the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family.

Return to Game

Cultural Tibet is traditionally divided into four main regions: Amdo, Kham, Ü-Tsang, and Ngari.

Answer: False

Explanation: Cultural Tibet is traditionally divided into three main regions: Amdo, Kham, and Ü-Tsang.

Return to Game

The written Tibetan language has undergone significant changes and variations, making it difficult to understand historical texts.

Answer: False

Explanation: The written Tibetan language, based on Classical Tibetan, has remained consistent, attributed to the Tibetan Empire's influence.

Return to Game

What is the primary geographical and cultural identity of Tibet as described in the source?

Answer: An ethno-cultural region on the Tibetan Plateau in western East Asia.

Explanation: Tibet is recognized as an ethno-cultural region situated in the western part of East Asia, encompassing the Tibetan Plateau.

Return to Game

What is the dominant religion in Tibet, which significantly influences its culture?

Answer: Tibetan Buddhism

Explanation: Tibetan Buddhism is the dominant religion, though Bön, Islam, and Christianity are also practiced.

Return to Game

How do linguists generally classify the Tibetan language?

Answer: As belonging to the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan family.

Explanation: The Tibetan language is classified as part of the Tibeto-Burman branch of the Sino-Tibetan language family.

Return to Game

What are the three traditional regions that constitute cultural Tibet?

Answer: Amdo, Ü-Tsang, and Kham

Explanation: Cultural Tibet is traditionally divided into three main regions: Amdo, Kham, and Ü-Tsang.

Return to Game

The consistency of the written Tibetan language is attributed to the historical influence of which entity?

Answer: The Tibetan Empire

Explanation: The written Tibetan language, based on Classical Tibetan, has remained consistent, attributed to the Tibetan Empire's influence.

Return to Game

What is the primary nature of Tibetan music, according to the text?

Answer: Religious music involving chanting and ceremonies.

Explanation: Tibetan music is primarily religious, influenced by Tibetan Buddhism, and performed during ceremonies.

Return to Game

Tibetan Society and Economy

Tsampa, a dough made from roasted barley, is a central component of the traditional Tibetan diet.

Answer: True

Explanation: Tsampa, a staple food made from roasted barley flour, is indeed a central component of the traditional Tibetan diet.

Return to Game

In recent years, the agricultural sector has become the largest contributor to Tibet's economy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The service sector, largely driven by tourism, has become the largest contributor to Tibet's economy, surpassing agriculture.

Return to Game

The Potala Palace and Norbulingka, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are located in the city of Shigatse.

Answer: False

Explanation: The Potala Palace and Norbulingka are located in Lhasa, not Shigatse.

Return to Game

The primary economic activity in Tibet is modern manufacturing and industrial production.

Answer: False

Explanation: Tibet's economy is predominantly based on subsistence agriculture and livestock raising.

Return to Game

The fungus *Ophiocordyceps sinensis* contributes minimally to Tibet's rural economy.

Answer: False

Explanation: The fungus *Ophiocordyceps sinensis* contributes significantly to rural cash income in Tibet.

Return to Game

Which of the following ethnic groups is NOT mentioned as inhabiting the Tibetan Plateau in the provided text?

Answer: Inca

Explanation: The Inca are indigenous to South America; the Tibetan Plateau is inhabited by various ethnic groups, including Sherpa, Monpa, and Hui, among others.

Return to Game

Which food item is described as being particularly central to the Tibetan diet?

Answer: Tsampa (roasted barley dough)

Explanation: Tsampa, a staple food made from roasted barley flour, is indeed a central component of the traditional Tibetan diet.

Return to Game

What sector has become the largest contributor to Tibet's economy, driven largely by tourism?

Answer: Service sector

Explanation: The service sector, largely driven by tourism, has become the largest contributor to Tibet's economy.

Return to Game

Lhasa serves as the capital of which administrative region?

Answer: The Tibet Autonomous Region

Explanation: Lhasa is the capital of Tibet and the Tibet Autonomous Region.

Return to Game

What are the two World Heritage Sites located in Lhasa mentioned in the text?

Answer: The Potala Palace and Norbulingka

Explanation: The two World Heritage Sites in Lhasa are the Potala Palace and Norbulingka.

Return to Game

What is the significance of the *Ophiocordyceps sinensis* fungus in Tibet's economy?

Answer: It contributes significantly to rural cash income.

Explanation: The fungus *Ophiocordyceps sinensis* contributes significantly to rural cash income in Tibet.

Return to Game