Which of the following best explains how physical geography impacted trade along the Silk Road? (1 point)
• Maritime trade routes were developed throughout the Silk Road to avoid the mountains.
• Deserts were flat and easy to travel across, so traders often went across them.
• Lack of water along the Silk Road caused traders to flock to oases to survive.
• Mountains such as the Pamir Mountains made trade difficult, so traders often avoided them.
Mountains such as the Pamir Mountains made trade difficult, so traders often avoided them.
The option that best explains how physical geography impacted trade along the Silk Road is: Mountains such as the Pamir Mountains made trade difficult, so traders often avoided them.
The best explanation of how physical geography impacted trade along the Silk Road is that mountains such as the Pamir Mountains made trade difficult, so traders often avoided them.
To understand why this is the best explanation, let's analyze the other options:
1. Maritime trade routes were developed throughout the Silk Road to avoid the mountains: While maritime trade routes played a significant role in global trade, they were not specifically developed to avoid the mountains along the Silk Road. The Silk Road primarily referred to the overland trade network across Asia.
2. Deserts were flat and easy to travel across, so traders often went across them: Although deserts were part of the Silk Road, they were not necessarily flat or easy to travel across. In fact, deserts presented challenges such as extreme temperatures, lack of vegetation, and limited access to water, making them arduous to traverse.
3. Lack of water along the Silk Road caused traders to flock to oases to survive: While it is true that water scarcity was an issue along certain sections of the Silk Road, it was not the primary factor that impacted trade. The scarcity of water necessitated the establishment of oases as resting points, but it did not shape the overall trade patterns of the Silk Road.
In contrast, the presence of mountains along the Silk Road, such as the Pamir Mountains, had a significant influence on trade. These rugged terrains posed challenges for traders, including steep slopes, treacherous paths, and unpredictable weather conditions. As a result, traders often opted for alternative routes or detours to avoid the mountainous regions, leading to changes in trade patterns and the establishment of new trade routes.