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Information and IdeasHardUndermining a claim about ancient trade routes

Information and Ideas practice question

Archaeologists claim a regular trade route linked the coast to inland valleys three thousand years ago, resting their case chiefly on obsidian found at inland sites, which they attribute to the coastal volcano. ____

Which finding, if true, would most directly weaken the archaeologists' claim?

  1. A. Chemical sourcing showed the obsidian at the inland sites came from a local quarry, not the coastal volcano.Correct
  2. B. The inland sites also contained pottery in coastal styles.
  3. C. Obsidian blades at the inland sites were more finely worked than coastal ones.
  4. D. The mountain passes between the regions are snowbound five months a year.

Answer: A. Chemical sourcing showed the obsidian at the inland sites came from a local quarry, not the coastal volcano.

The claimed trade route rests on coastal obsidian reaching inland sites; if the obsidian is locally quarried, the key evidence for the route dissolves.

Why the other answers are wrong

B. The inland sites also contained pottery in coastal styles.
Coastal-style pottery inland would support contact, strengthening rather than weakening the claim.
C. Obsidian blades at the inland sites were more finely worked than coastal ones.
Workmanship differences do not establish where the stone originated.
D. The mountain passes between the regions are snowbound five months a year.
Seasonal passes constrain timing but do not refute trade.

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