AP World History Practice Exam 2025 – The Comprehensive All-in-One Guide to Exam Success!

The identification of the clearest difference between the Olmec civilization and the people of Easter Island is indeed rooted in the significant impact the Olmecs had on subsequent Mesoamerican civilizations. The Olmec culture, which flourished from around 1200 to 400 BCE in what is now Mexico, is often referred to as a "mother culture" of the region due to its foundational influence on later groups, such as the Maya and the Aztecs. This influence can be observed in various aspects, including art styles, religious practices, and urban planning.

The Olmec were known for their colossal stone heads, intricate jade carvings, and complex societal structure, which included aspects of governance and spirituality that laid the groundwork for future civilizations. In contrast, the inhabitants of Easter Island, known for their impressive moai statues, were more isolated and did not have the same wide-ranging influence on neighboring cultures.

The other options do not capture a fundamental distinction. The Olmecs did not create a written language in the way later Mesoamerican cultures did, nor were they monotheistic; rather, their religious practices were polytheistic. Furthermore, both the Olmec and the people of Easter Island had agricultural practices, but the