Which of the following reasons best explains why American Indians in the Arctic built igloos?
A.
to provide shade from the sun
B.
to provide shelter from the cold
C.
to store the meat from animals they hunted
D.
to store plants and other food they gathered during the summer
B. to provide shelter from the cold.
it's technically the WIND because an igloo is made of ICE but whatever
The best explanation for why American Indians in the Arctic built igloos is B. to provide shelter from the cold.
The best explanation for why American Indians in the Arctic built igloos is B. to provide shelter from the cold.
Igloos are dome-shaped structures made of ice and snow that were traditionally used by indigenous peoples in the Arctic regions, including American Indians. These structures are specifically designed to withstand the extreme cold temperatures of the Arctic environment.
To understand this better, you can consider the following factors:
1. Cold Protection: Igloos are constructed using blocks of compacted snow, which provide excellent insulation against the freezing temperatures outside. The thick walls of the igloo trap the warmth generated by the occupants' body heat, helping to maintain a relatively comfortable and livable temperature inside.
2. Wind Resistance: The shape of an igloo allows it to resist strong winds prevalent in Arctic regions. The structure has a low, curved dome shape, which helps prevent wind resistance, reducing the risk of collapse and offering better protection against the elements.
3. Availability of Materials: In Arctic regions, there is an abundance of snow and ice, making them readily available construction materials. Building igloos allowed American Indians to utilize the local resources to create durable and efficient shelters.
While options C and D may be important for survival in the Arctic, the main purpose of igloos was to provide shelter and protection from the harsh cold climate. Therefore, option B is the most suitable explanation for the choice of building igloos by American Indians in the Arctic.