A very serious shortage of food

A period of abnormally dry weather

Crops grown for sale to richer countries, like coffee and tea

Food Security, Overeating, and Famine

Social Studies

This document explores the global food situation, contrasting the abundance of food in developed countries with the scarcity faced in poorer regions. It details the consequences of both overeating, such as obesity and related health issues, and undereating, leading to malnutrition and starvation. The text also examines the causes and impacts of famine, including natural disasters and human-induced factors like war and poor resource management, and highlights the role of international aid organizations in addressing these crises.

Food Health Global Issues

21 Questions Medium Ages 10+ Mar 21, 2026

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About this Study Set

This study set covers Social Studies through 21 practice questions. This document explores the global food situation, contrasting the abundance of food in developed countries with the scarcity faced in poorer regions. It details the consequences of both overeating, such as obesity and related health issues, and undereating, leading to malnutrition and starvation. The text also examines the causes and impacts of famine, including natural disasters and human-induced factors like war and poor resource management, and highlights the role of international aid organizations in addressing these crises. Every question includes the correct answer so you can learn as you go — pick any format above to get started.

Questions & Answers

Browse all 21 questions from the Food Security, Overeating, and Famine study set below. Each question shows the correct answer — select a study format above to practice interactively.

1 What technological advancements have led to a wide variety of food and regular supply in developed countries?

A Refrigeration, canning, freeze-drying, worldwide trade, and fast transport
B Increased agricultural subsidies and government intervention
C Development of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and vertical farming
D Greater consumer demand for exotic foods and luxury ingredients

2 What are some health risks associated with eating too much food and not exercising?

A Tooth decay, heart attacks, strokes, diabetes, appendicitis, and certain cancers
B Improved immune system, increased energy levels, and better sleep
C Enhanced cognitive function, reduced stress, and greater creativity
D Stronger bones, healthier skin, and improved eyesight

3 According to the text, approximately how many overweight people are there in the world today?

A One billion
B 500 million
C 200 million
D 100 million

4 What is a famine?

A A very serious shortage of food
B A surplus of food in a region
C A temporary lack of access to healthy food options
D A widespread increase in food prices

5 What can happen to a person's body if they haven't eaten properly for a long time?

A They become weaker, lose weight, and may die of starvation or disease
B They develop stronger muscles and a more robust immune system
C Their body adapts by requiring less food and increasing metabolism
D They experience increased energy and improved mental clarity

6 How many children under the age of five die every minute from diseases of hunger?

A About 24
B About 50
C About 10
D About 100

7 What does it mean for people to be malnourished?

A They do not eat enough of the right kinds of food
B They eat too much of the wrong kinds of food
C They have a perfectly balanced diet but lack exercise
D They have a temporary lack of appetite

8 What is a common myth about famines?

A That they are caused by a lack of food in the world or too many people
B That they are always caused by natural disasters
C That they only affect developing countries
D That they can be solved by simply producing more food

9 What is the actual problem that leads to people not getting the food they need, according to the text?

A The food does not always get to the people who need it, and a lot of food is wasted
B There is a global shortage of essential food crops
C People in developing countries lack the knowledge to grow food
D Food production technology is not advanced enough

10 Up to what fraction of food in North American supermarkets is thrown away?

A A quarter
B Half
C One-tenth
D One-fifth

11 If crops fail in poor countries, what is a common reason they cannot buy food from elsewhere?

A Their governments usually do not have the money
B They lack the necessary transportation infrastructure
C International trade agreements are unfavorable
D There is a global shortage of exportable food

12 Which of the following is NOT listed as a natural cause of famine?

A Wars and sieges
B Long periods of dry weather (drought)
C Floods
D Plagues of insect pests

13 What is a drought?

A A period of abnormally dry weather
B Excessive rainfall that causes rivers to overflow
C Sudden shifts in temperature that damage crops
D A prolonged period of unusually cold weather

14 How do floods destroy crops?

A By covering them with water or burying them in mud
B By causing extreme heat that withers the plants
C By introducing new types of plant diseases
D By attracting large numbers of crop-eating insects

15 In which country did severe floods in 2013 force about 230,000 people from their homes?

A Niger
B Bangladesh
C China
D Philippines

16 What is a human cause of famine where farmland turns into desert?

A Desertification
B Deforestation
C Overgrazing
D All of the above

17 How can war cause famine?

A By turning farms into battlegrounds, destroying crops, and disrupting food transport
B By increasing the demand for food in conflict zones
C By forcing people to migrate to areas with better food supplies
D By encouraging the development of new agricultural techniques

18 What is desertification?

A The process of turning land into desert where nothing will grow
B The expansion of fertile land due to increased rainfall
C The successful cultivation of crops in arid regions
D The management of deserts for tourism purposes

19 What happens to the soil when trees are cut down for firewood or timber?

A It is no longer held together by roots and the land turns to desert
B It becomes more fertile and suitable for farming
C It develops a thicker layer of topsoil
D It becomes more resistant to erosion

20 What are cash crops?

A Crops grown for sale to richer countries, like coffee and tea
B Crops grown for immediate local consumption
C Crops that are easily grown with minimal resources
D Crops that are resistant to pests and diseases

21 What is a consequence of using large areas of the best land to grow cash crops instead of food for local people?

A It can lead to food shortages for the local population
B It increases the overall food security of the region
C It diversifies the local diet
D It reduces the reliance on imported food

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