By the time the United States purchased Alaska in 1867, decades of oppression and exposure to European diseases had taken their toll: The native population had dropped to just 2,500; the descendants of these survivors still make their home in the area today."

What does the phrase "taken their toll" mean here?

(i just realize that this is the same person that i was sending this too)< < < i wrote this after i put the basket ball essay but still i need a you, good rating, and a heart.

    a basketball team comprises of five players as mentioned above. the five players include point guard, shooting guard, small forward, power forward and center (ramen 56). the rules do not limit players to certain locations. however, evolution of basketball from the 1980s made players assume certain locations and roles. the point guard should be the fastest team member, and is responsible for organizing the attacks of the team. he does this by making sure that the right player has the ball at the right time (wissel 87). the shooting guard creates mainly long-range shorts and watches the opponent's last player on the defense. the small forward member of the team is majorly responsible for scoring points through dribble penetration and cuts to the basket. he also rebounds and plays actively. power forward plays invasively having their back to the basket and when on defense he plays under the basket or against the opponent's power forward (ramen 54). the center often uses his size and height to score and safeguard the basket when on defense. however, there is no rule that limits the players to these descriptions.  

              there are four quarters in regular basketball game, and each takes 10 or 12 minutes (ramen 67). in college basketball games, the game uses two-twenty minute halves. extra time should take 5 minutes in all games except in high school, where it takes four minutes. teams need to change sides after the first half of the game. a typical basketball game might take approximately 2 hours excluding the time when the game is inactive. at any given time, the court should have ten players, 5 from both sides. despite substitutions being unrestricted, it can only be performed when the game is stopped (wissel 51). additionally, teams must have a uniform comprising of a jersey and a pair of shorts. for identification purposes, the jersey should have a unique number in the team printed at the front and back. in some instances, the jerseys have the names of players, sponsors and team printed on them.  

              in conclusion, regulation basketball hoop comprises of a rim or basket attached to a backboard. violating the rules of the game results in a change of the shot clock if the committed by the defense or loss of ball possession. basketball teams comprise of five players, which includes the point guard, shooting guard, power forward, small forward and center. a typical basketball game might take approximately 2 hours excluding the time when the game is inactive.  

i am not sure, but i think the correct answer is a.

hope it : -)