Answer :
Final answer:
The Inca grew over 200 types of potatoes, which were essential to their diet and agricultural practices. Potatoes were cultivated in various varieties to match specific altitudes and climates, showcasing the Incas' advanced agricultural technology.
Explanation:
The Inca civilization, which thrived in the Andean region, was adept at cultivating a variety of crops suited to their diverse geography and climate. Among these crops, the most significant was the potato, which they grew in over 200 types. The cultivation of potatoes by the Inca dates back nearly 10,000 years and varieties numbered in the thousands. Each variety of the potato was bred to thrive at certain elevations, climates, and soil conditions, thereby ensuring a robust and sustainable food source that could withstand the diverse conditions of the Andes.
While the Inca grew many other crops like maize, quinoa, and manioc, the versatility and numerous variations of the potato highlight their sophisticated agricultural techniques. These techniques included the construction of terraces that optimized cultivation and allowed for a broad range of plant species to be grown. The potato, a staple food, played a crucial role in Incan society, providing not only sustenance but also serving as a key part of their complex economic and social systems.
