Purchase Solution

The Collapse of the Easter Island Civilization

Not what you're looking for?

Ask Custom Question

Discuss the idea of sustainable development by discussing the social factors that brought about the collapse of the Easter Island Civilization. You are to compare these events to the on-going deforestation of the Amazon rain forest. Conclude your research by explaining what should be done to make sustainable development a reality. Include all references.

Purchase this Solution
Solution Summary

This solution discusses how deforestation led to the decline of civilization on Easter Island and what we can do to avoid a similar fate for our future. References used are included.

Solution Preview

Here are some ideas I thought of and a few that I gleaned from a few references. You will need to find several others to complete this assignment.

Only some 150 square miles in area Easter Island is a microcosm for the problems we face today. Its native inhabitants arrived in the fifth century AD and quickly established a highly advanced culture of about 7000-15000 people. By the 18th century, the few remaining islanders lived in primitive conditions. The harsh conditions of they faced are indicated in oral traditions which focus on cannibalism. To severely insult an enemy one would say: "The flesh of your mother sticks between my teeth" (Diamond 2005:109).

Little effort was required to raise crops on Easter island. This allowed for the development of a sophisticated social structure. Clans were led by chiefs and competed with each other. Among their competitions were the construction of ahus, or ceremonial areas with large statues. These immense statues required alarming amounts of resources to ...

Purchase this Solution
Free BrainMass Quizzes
Environmental Awareness 2020

This quiz is to test your knowledge and awareness on the current environmental issues that are posing a serious threat to the planet.

Environment of the Earth

This quiz will focus on an introduction to basic Earth Science vocabulary. This info is important for an understanding of the principles involved with the study of the environment of the Earth.

United States and Canada Vocabulary

Assessment of basic vocabulary terms related to geography and resources in the United States and Canda.

"Tornadoes and Hurricanes" Vocabulary

Brief introduction to vocabulary terms related to the atmosphere. Definitions are related to conditions for tornadoes and hurricanes.

Geography Points of Interest

Brief query of points of interest in the world. For example, choosing the largest body of water from 3 choices.

View More Free Quizzes
Related BrainMass Solutions

  • Sustainability, Cycling and Stewardship

    Explain sustainability and stewardship when pertaining to the factors that brought about the collapse of the Easter Island civilization. Sustainability can be thought of living in such as way that we do not degrade environmental resources.

  • Educate the public about the consequences of over-population

    Since many of your listeners are not scientists, you want to use examples that lay people can understand. You have decided to illustrate the concept by discussing the social factors that brought about the collapse of the Easter Island civilization.

  • Advancing sustainable development

    Since many of your listeners are not scientists, you want to use examples that lay people can understand. You have decided to illustrate the concept by discussing the social factors that brought about the collapse of the Easter Island civilization.

  • Easter Island as a bad example

    Since many of your listeners are not scientists, you want to use examples that lay people can understand. You have decided to illustrate the concept by discussing the social factors that brought about the collapse of the Easter Island civilization.

  • Sustainable Development

    Explain sustainability and stewardship by discussing either A. the factors that brought about the collapse of the Easter Island civilization. B. the events to the ongoing deforestation of the Amazon rain forest.

  • Citizens for a Greener Planet

    Explain sustainability and stewardship by discussing either 1. the factors that brought about the collapse of the Easter Island civilization. 2. the events to the ongoing deforestation of the Amazon rain forest.

  • The art of Easter Island

    350273 Art of Pacific Cultures Easter Island Investigate the theories about the creation of the figures on Easter Island and write an explanation that tells how, why, and when they were carved.

  • Poor Stewardship at Easter Island

    Easter Island had a small area and there was no escape for people to leave. Currently there is no place for human to leave and we could very well end our society similar to the civilization located on Easter Island.

  • The End of Easter by J. Diamond

    It also revealed that Easter Island diet relied on porpoises like dolphins primarily because of the lack of reefs and shoals that can attract and house large numbers of fish around the island.

View More Related Solutions