Investigate how the Maya and the Olmec showed continuity economically.
A. They both farmed corn.
B. They both had money systems.
C. They both farmed cacao.
D. They both traded limestone.
The Maya and the Olmec civilizations showed continuity economically in several ways:
A. They both farmed corn: Both the Maya and the Olmec civilizations heavily relied on agriculture, specifically corn farming. Maize (corn) was a staple crop for both civilizations, serving as a primary food source. They developed sophisticated agricultural techniques, including terracing, which allowed them to cultivate corn in different types of landscapes.
C. They both farmed cacao: The Maya and the Olmec civilizations also both farmed cacao, the bean used to make chocolate. Cacao was highly valued, not only as a food source but also as a form of currency. Both civilizations recognized the economic importance of cacao and traded it extensively.
D. They both traded limestone: Limestone was another important economic resource for both the Maya and the Olmec civilizations. The Maya used limestone extensively for construction purposes, building temples, palaces, and other structures. Limestone was also used for making lime plaster. The Olmec civilization, known for its colossal stone heads, also worked with limestone for their monumental architecture.
It is important to note that there is no evidence of a money system in either the Maya or the Olmec civilizations. While they had developed systems of trade and commerce, using various forms of goods as mediums of exchange, such as cacao beans, jade, obsidian, or seashells, they did not have standardized forms of currency as seen in other civilizations. Thus, option B is incorrect.