Answer :
Final answer:
The Incas adapted to their mountainous environment by creating high-altitude agricultural terraces and building extensive road networks. These strategies maximized arable land and facilitated communication across their empire. They primarily utilized locally-sourced materials for farming and did not import European crops prior to contact.
Explanation:
Inca Adaptations to Their Mountainous Environment
The Incas, who thrived in the challenging terrain of the Andes mountains, displayed remarkable ingenuity in their adaptations to this environment. One of their primary strategies was creating high-altitude agricultural terraces, which allowed them to farm on the steep slopes. These terraces reduced soil erosion and maximized arable land, enabling the Incas to cultivate diverse crops such as potatoes and maize, which were well-suited for high elevations.
Additionally, the Incas built extensive road networks that connected various regions across their empire. This infrastructure facilitated trade and communication, essential for their economy and governance. By linking distant communities, the road systems played a crucial role in maintaining the unity of the Inca Empire.
While the Incas did develop tools, they largely relied on stone and bronze rather than iron, as iron was not known in the Americas until European contact. They also did not import European crops before the Spanish arrived, as their agricultural practices were deeply rooted in the native flora of their region. Consequently, options like developing advanced iron tools and importing European crops do not accurately reflect how the Incas adapted to their environment.
Conclusion
In summary, the Incas adapted to their mountainous environment primarily through creating high-altitude agricultural terraces and building extensive road networks. These innovations were critical to their survival and prosperity in the Andes.
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