Which represents an Aztec adaptation to their environment?
a a surplus of farmed crops
b an accurate 365-day calendar
c a system of causeways
d farming in terraces
d farming in terraces
The correct answer is d) farming in terraces. The Aztecs practiced terrace farming as an adaptation to their environment. Terraces were built on the hilly terrain to create flat surfaces for agriculture. This allowed them to cultivate crops in areas that would otherwise be unsuitable for farming due to the steep slopes. By utilizing terraces, the Aztecs were able to increase agricultural productivity and make efficient use of their natural resources.
The correct answer is d) farming in terraces.
To determine which option represents an Aztec adaptation to their environment, we need to understand the context and characteristics of the Aztec civilization.
The Aztecs were an ancient Mesoamerican civilization that inhabited the region known as the Valley of Mexico. This area presented various challenges for agriculture, including a high elevation, limited arable land, and frequent flooding. The Aztecs adapted to these environmental conditions through various means.
Option a) a surplus of farmed crops is not an Aztec adaptation to their environment as it doesn't specifically address the challenges posed by their geographical location.
Option b) an accurate 365-day calendar, although important to the Aztec culture and their social and religious practices, is not directly related to their adaptation to the environment.
Option c) a system of causeways does represent an Aztec adaptation, as they built a network of elevated roads and causeways (known as chinampas) to connect and navigate their cities in the region's marshy terrain. However, this option is not the best answer choice.
Option d) farming in terraces is the most accurate choice. The Aztecs cultivated crops in terraced farming systems called chinampas, which were artificial islands constructed on shallow lakes. This farming technique allowed them to maximize the limited available land, control water levels, and avoid flooding. Terraced farming also helped increase crop yields and sustain their population.
Therefore, the best answer is d) farming in terraces, as it represents an Aztec adaptation to their environment.