High School

What was the primary form of agriculture practiced by the Incas?

a) Slash-and-burn agriculture
b) Terrace farming
c) Crop rotation
d) Intensive irrigation farming

Answer :

Final answer:

The Incas primarily practiced terrace farming, which allowed them to cultivate crops on mountainous terrain and prevent soil erosion while managing water effectively.

Explanation:

The primary form of agriculture practiced by the Incas was b) Terrace farming. The Inca civilization, which thrived in the Andean region of South America, developed a sophisticated system of terraces on the steep slopes of the mountains. This technique allowed them to cultivate crops in areas that would otherwise be unsuitable for traditional farming methods. The terraced fields not only maximized arable land area but also helped in preventing soil erosion and provided a way to manage water for crops. While slash-and-burn agriculture was practiced in different parts of the world and was the earliest form of farming, it was not the primary method used by the Incas. Instead, their advanced understanding of their environment and their innovative farming techniques, such as terrace farming, were key to their ability to sustain a large population and complex society.