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Which statement best explains the success of Incan agriculture?

A. The Inca farmed close to the coast because the land was flat and easy to cultivate.
B. The Inca used terrace farming and irrigation to farm in mountainous terrain.
C. The Inca built large plantations in the Amazon by clearing the rainforest.
D. The Inca relied on hunting animals and gathering wild plants.

Answer :

Final answer:

The success of Incan agriculture can be attributed to their use of terrace farming and irrigation, which allowed them to effectively cultivate crops in the mountainous terrains of the Andes. These innovative agricultural practices helped maximize arable land and ensure adequate water supply for their crops. Overall, the Inca's adaptation to their environment was critical for their agricultural success.


Explanation:

Success of Incan Agriculture

The statement that best explains the success of Incan agriculture is: The Inca used terrace farming and irrigation to farm in mountainous terrain. The Incan Empire, located in the Andes Mountains of South America, faced unique challenges due to its geography, including steep slopes and varying climates.

To overcome these challenges, the Inca developed advanced agricultural techniques:

  • Terrace Farming: They built terraces, which are flat areas created on the side of mountains, allowing them to maximize arable land. This method helped to prevent soil erosion and made it easier to cultivate crops.
  • Irrigation Systems: The Inca constructed extensive irrigation channels to direct water from rivers and streams to their fields, ensuring that their crops received adequate moisture.
  • Diverse Crops: They cultivated a variety of crops such as potatoes, quinoa, and maize, which were well-suited to the high-altitude conditions of the Andes.

In contrast, the other options do not accurately reflect the Inca's agricultural practices. Farming close to the coast would not be sustainable in the mountainous region, while clearing rainforests in the Amazon is not representative of Incan agriculture. Additionally, much of their food supply came from agriculture rather than relying solely on hunting and gathering.

Conclusion

Thus, through innovative methods such as terrace farming and irrigation, the Inca effectively adapted to their environment, making them successful farmers in a challenging landscape.


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