Which environmental change allowed people to travel by land between Asia and North America?
A. Human adaptation to Arctic environments
B. The introduction of horses to North America
C. The formation of ice sheets on land
D. A rise in ocean temperature
C. The formation of ice sheets on land
C. The formation of ice sheets on land
The correct answer is B. The introduction of horses to North America.
To understand why the introduction of horses allowed people to travel by land between Asia and North America, we need to look into some historical context.
Before the arrival of horses, there were no large, domesticated animals in North America that could be used for transportation. This made long-distance travel across the continent challenging. However, around 12,000 years ago, horses were introduced to North America by the Spanish conquistadors.
The introduction of horses dramatically changed the mobility and transportation capabilities of Native American tribes in North America. Horses enabled them to travel faster and cover much longer distances than on foot. With horses, they could traverse vast distances more quickly and efficiently, allowing for increased exploration and travel between different regions.
This newfound mobility facilitated the expansion of trade networks, cultural exchange, and communication between Native American tribes. Additionally, it provided the means for tribes to engage in more effective hunting and warfare strategies, significantly impacting their way of life.
Therefore, the introduction of horses to North America was a crucial environmental change that enabled people to travel by land between Asia and North America.