Answer :
Final answer:
The Incas lived on mountainous terrain, which provided natural defenses and made invasion difficult. They benefited from this by constructing terraced farms for agriculture, preventing soil erosion, and enabling them to grow a variety of crops. Their innovative use of the landscape also supported effective travel and resource management within the empire.
Explanation:
The Incas lived on mountainous terrain, particularly in the Andes of South America. This type of terrain offered several benefits to their civilization. One of the primary benefits was the natural defenses provided by the steep mountains, which made their empire difficult to invade. Additionally, the Inca used the mountain slopes to their agricultural advantage by creating terraced farms. These terraces allowed the Inca to convert the steep, unusable lands into productive farmland, which was essential for feeding their large population. The terraced farming method also helped prevent soil erosion and created micro-climates to grow a variety of crops. Moreover, the diversity of ecological zones due to changes in altitude enabled the cultivation of different crops such as maize, potatoes, and quinoa. The strategic use of the mountainous terrain, including the intricate system of roads and bridges for travel and trade, greatly contributed to the Inca Empire's ability to sustain its population and manage its resources effectively.
