Answer :
Final answer:
The Incas adapted to their rugged environment through innovations such as terracing and irrigation systems, which allowed them to cultivate crops on steep mountainous terrain. They also effectively utilized local resources, like guano, for fertilization, enhancing their agricultural output. These strategies were crucial for their survival and the expansion of their empire.
Explanation:
Incan Adaptations to Rugged Environments
The Inca Empire, centered in the Andes, faced numerous environmental challenges due to its mountainous terrain and varying climates. To thrive in these difficult conditions, the Incas developed several innovative agricultural and architectural practices.
- Terracing: One of the most significant adaptations was the construction of terraces. These terraces allowed the Incas to create flat agricultural areas on steep mountainsides, preventing soil erosion and improving water retention. Soil was carefully placed atop retaining walls, creating a series of steps that facilitated farming.
- Irrigation Systems: The Incas built extensive irrigation canals and aqueducts to bring water from nearby rivers to their fields. This engineering feat allowed them to support high-yield crops like quinoa and potatoes in an otherwise arid environment and enhanced their agricultural productivity.
- Use of Local Resources: They also optimized the use of local resources, such as guano (bird droppings) from coastal islands, as fertilizer for their terraces, which significantly boosted crop yields.
These adaptations not only facilitated sustainable agriculture but also enabled the Incas to build a prosperous empire in a challenging environment.
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