How did the Maya building evolve beyond the Olmec?(1 point) Responses The Maya built larger cities and stepped pyramids. The Maya built larger cities and stepped pyramids. The Maya created colossal heads for their gods. The Maya created colossal heads for their gods. The Maya did not build homes for the elite in their cities. The Maya did not build homes for the elite in their cities. The Maya used sandstone, not limestone.

The Maya built larger cities and stepped pyramids.

The statement "The Maya built larger cities and stepped pyramids." provides the correct answer. The Maya, unlike the Olmec, built larger cities and constructed stepped pyramids as part of their architectural evolution.

To understand how the Maya building evolved beyond the Olmec, it is important to analyze the provided statements. Let's break down each statement and its significance:

1. "The Maya built larger cities and stepped pyramids."
The construction of larger cities and stepped pyramids suggests an advancement in architectural techniques and urban planning. This shift indicates the Maya's ability to create more complex and monumental structures compared to the Olmec.

2. "The Maya created colossal heads for their gods."
While colossal heads were indeed created by the Olmec, this statement doesn't directly address the evolution of Maya building beyond the Olmec. It highlights a similarity between the two civilizations rather than a notable development in Maya architecture.

3. "The Maya did not build homes for the elite in their cities."
This statement implies that the Maya had a different approach to housing the elite within their cities compared to the Olmec. It suggests a departure from the Olmec's architectural practices and could be seen as an advancement in social organization or a different set of priorities.

4. "The Maya used sandstone, not limestone."
The choice of building material can indicate a shift in construction techniques or access to resources. If the Maya indeed used sandstone instead of limestone, it demonstrates a departure from the Olmec's preferred material and signifies a possible technological advancement or regional variation.

Based on these statements, the response that directly addresses the evolution of Maya building beyond the Olmec is: "The Maya built larger cities and stepped pyramids." This answer highlights the Maya's ability to create more extensive urban centers and monumental structures, suggesting progress in architectural capabilities compared to the Olmec.