AP Modern World History Flashcards: Technological Advances and Limitations: Disease
Written by AP Content Team, Verified for 2026 AP Exams, Last updated: May 2026
Review key ideas with interactive flashcards. This set includes 10 cards to help you master important concepts.
Term: Diseases of longevity
These are diseases, such as heart disease and Alzheimer's, that occur at a higher incidence primarily because people are living longer lives.
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Term: Diseases of longevity
These are diseases, such as heart disease and Alzheimer's, that occur at a higher incidence primarily because people are living longer lives.
A historian studying the late 20th century notes a new global pandemic that caused social disruption. Based on the text, what disease is the most likely subject?
The historian is most likely studying the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which emerged as a new threat to human populations during that period.
Name two new epidemics that emerged as significant threats to human populations in the modern era.
The 1918 influenza pandemic and HIV/AIDS are two examples of new epidemics that emerged as major threats to global populations.
If a developing nation successfully eradicates diseases of poverty and its citizens' average lifespan increases by 20 years, what new health challenges might it face?
The nation would likely face a higher incidence of diseases associated with increased longevity, such as heart disease and Alzheimer's disease.
What is the general relationship between diseases and medical developments on world populations?
Both diseases and medical/scientific developments have had significant, transformative effects on populations around the world.
Contrast the two main categories of diseases discussed in the text.
The text contrasts persistent diseases associated with poverty (e.g., malaria) with emergent diseases or those of higher incidence due to increased longevity (e.g., Alzheimer's).
Identify two examples of diseases associated with poverty that have persisted over time.
Malaria and tuberculosis are two examples of diseases associated with poverty that have persisted in human populations.
How did environmental factors, such as poverty, affect human health over time?
Environmental factors like poverty allowed certain diseases, such as malaria and tuberculosis, to persist and continue affecting human populations.
How did increased human longevity affect the prevalence of certain diseases?
Increased longevity led to a higher incidence of diseases like heart disease and Alzheimer's disease, as people lived long enough for these conditions to develop.
Beyond mortality, what was a significant societal consequence of new epidemics like the 1918 influenza?
In addition to causing widespread death, new epidemics like the 1918 influenza sometimes led to significant social disruption.