Advanced Placement (AP) European History Practice Exam

Which characteristic of Old World forage grasses aided their use by European colonists?

1. They were well-suited to arid climates

2. They were tolerant of close cropping and constant trampling by animals

3. They grew faster than native grasses

4. They were more resistant to diseases

The correct answer is: They were tolerant of close cropping and constant trampling by animals

The characteristic that aided the use of Old World forage grasses by European colonists is their tolerance of close cropping and constant trampling by animals. This quality was particularly beneficial in agriculture and animal husbandry, where livestock frequently grazed on these grasses. Their resilience meant that even when subjected to heavy use from grazing animals, these grasses could recover, enabling continued productivity over time. This adaptability made them a reliable choice for European settlers as they established agriculture in new environments. While other options present some potential advantages, they do not as directly support the agricultural practices that European colonists employed. For example, while some grasses might have grown faster or been disease-resistant, these factors would not necessarily contribute to the resilience needed under the constant grazing pressures faced in colonial farming systems.