What could an archaeologist infer from the fact that fish bones have been found at mountain sites of the Inca Empire, while potatoes, a mountain crop, have been found at coastal sites?

A. The coastal Inca and the mountain Inca taught each other their food-providing skills.
B. The Inca diet was essentially the same no matter what region people were in.
C. The different environmental sections of the Inca Empire traded with each other.
D. The distance from the coast to the mountains was less than the length of the coast.

The presence of fish bones in mountain sites and potatoes indicates that the Inca Empire's various environmental regions engaged in trade. Coastal communities supplied fish to highland populations that, in turn, provided crops like potatoes. This interregional trade enriched the Inca diet and cultural practices.

Explanation:

Inferences from Fish Bones and Potatoes in the Inca Empire

An archaeologist studying the Inca Empire might draw some important conclusions from the presence of fish bones in mountain sites and the common agricultural presence of potatoes. The evidence suggests that the different environmental sections of the Inca Empire likely traded with each other.

Here are some key points supporting this inference:

The Incas lived across a wide range of environments, including coastlines and mountain regions.
Coastal peoples, such as the Moche, harvested abundant seafood which would not be available in the highlands.
Mountain communities specialized in growing potatoes and other highland crops, which could be traded for fish and other coastal goods.
This interregional trade allowed for a diverse diet across the empire, facilitating the sharing of resources.

Therefore, the archaeologist might conclude that the various ecological regions within the Inca Empire maintained a robust trade network that enriched their diets and cultural practices.

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