1. Describe the effect of geographical location on agriculture in each Civilization--Mayans, Aztecs, and Incas.
2. Describe the difference between adapting to and modifying one's environment. Give an example of each.
3. Why did the Spanish settle and conquer Central and South America? In your example, mention Columbus, Cortes, and Pizzaro and the Catholic Church in your answer.
4. Describe the Columbian Exchange. What was it and give examples using crops and animals involved.
5. Use the following words in context and in one paragraph: Aqueduct, Basin, and Chinampa. (what do they all have in common?)
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1. To understand the effect of geographical location on agriculture in each civilization, we need to examine the specific characteristics of the civilizations and their surroundings.
- Mayans: The Mayan civilization, located primarily in the Yucatan Peninsula of present-day Mexico and parts of Central America, had a diverse geographical range. They adapted to their environment through the creation of terraced fields for agriculture on hilly areas. They also utilized canals and wetland cultivation for crops such as maize, beans, and squash. The Mayans took advantage of the abundant rainfall and fertile soil in the region.
- Aztecs: The Aztecs settled in the Valley of Mexico, known for its large lake system and volcanic soil. Their agricultural practices heavily relied on the construction of chinampas, which were artificial islands used for cultivation. By modifying their environment, they created fertile plots on the lake's edge, allowing the production of high-yielding crops, including maize, squash, and beans.
- Incas: The Inca civilization thrived in the Andes Mountains of South America, a region with challenging terrain and varying climate zones. They developed an exceptional agricultural system called terrace farming. By creating terraces on the mountainsides, they transformed steep slopes into usable farmland. This technique helped them cultivate crops like potatoes, quinoa, and maize at different altitudes.
In summary, each civilization adapted to and modified their environment to suit their agricultural needs, whether it was through terrace farming, chinampas, or wetland cultivation.
2. Adapting to the environment refers to the process of adjusting one's way of life to fit the existing conditions and resources of a particular environment. It involves making changes within the limitations of the ecosystem.
For example, the Inuit people of the Arctic have adapted to their environment by constructing igloos for shelter. These snow structures help them retain heat and protect against the harsh cold temperatures. By adapting their housing design, they increase their chances of survival in freezing conditions.
On the other hand, modifying the environment involves actively altering the surroundings to better suit human needs. It often includes human-made changes or technological advancements to enhance living conditions.
One example of modifying the environment is the construction of dams. Dams are built across rivers to create reservoirs that provide a controlled water supply for irrigation, hydroelectric power, and drinking water. The Three Gorges Dam in China is an excellent example of such modification, where it has significantly influenced the region's water resources and energy production.
3. The Spanish settled and conquered Central and South America mainly due to various factors, including exploration, wealth acquisition, and religious motivations.
- Christopher Columbus: Columbus played a significant role in the Spanish colonization efforts. Seeking a western route to Asia, he inadvertently encountered the Americas in 1492. His findings inspired subsequent Spanish expeditions.
- Hernan Cortes: Cortes was a Spanish conquistador who arrived in Mexico in 1519. He led the expedition that ultimately led to the fall of the Aztec empire. He exploited internal rivalries and utilized alliances with indigenous groups to defeat the Aztecs and establish Spanish dominance.
- Francisco Pizarro: Pizarro led the Spanish conquest of the Inca Empire in present-day Peru. He took advantage of the Inca's internal conflicts and their vulnerable situation after an outbreak of smallpox brought by the Spanish. Pizarro captured the Inca ruler and plundered the region for its riches.
The Catholic Church played a crucial role in the Spanish colonization of the Americas. The Pope issued papal bulls, such as the Inter caetera, which granted the Spanish Crown the right to colonize and conquer the new territories. The Catholic Church also sent missionaries to convert the indigenous populations to Christianity, making religious expansion another driving force behind Spanish colonization.
4. The Columbian Exchange was the widespread transfer of plants, animals, technologies, diseases, and culture between the Afro-Eurasian (Old World) and American (New World) continents as a result of Christopher Columbus' voyages.
Examples of crops involved in the Columbian Exchange include:
- Maize (corn): Native to the Americas, maize became a staple crop in Europe, Africa, and Asia after its introduction.
- Potatoes: Indigenous to the Andes, potatoes played a transformative role in European diets, providing a reliable and nutritious food source.
- Tomatoes: Originally from the Americas, tomatoes were introduced to Europe and became a vital ingredient in various cuisines.
Examples of animals involved in the Columbian Exchange:
- Horses: Horses were brought to the Americas by the Spanish. Their introduction had a significant impact on Native American cultures, revolutionizing transportation, hunting, and warfare.
- Cattle: European cattle, including cows and pigs, were introduced to the Americas, providing a vital source of meat, milk, and labor.
These examples illustrate the exchange of valuable resources, but it is important to note that the Columbian Exchange also brought devastating diseases to the Americas, leading to the decimation of indigenous populations.
5. Aqueducts, basins, and chinampas are all elements related to water management.
Aqueducts are structures that transport water from one location to another, often over long distances. They were commonly used in ancient civilizations to provide water for irrigation, drinking, and bathing purposes. For example, the Romans built extensive aqueduct systems to supply water to their cities.
Basins, in the context of water management, refer to reservoirs or large artificial lakes used for collecting and storing water. Basins can be natural, such as lake basins, or constructed through human intervention.
Chinampas are artificial islands used for agriculture, particularly in the Aztec civilization. These islands were constructed by heaping layers of vegetation, mud, and mud over a buoyant base. They were then used for growing crops in marshy or submerged areas. Chinampas made use of basins by using them as a water source for irrigation.
In summary, the common theme among aqueducts, basins, and chinampas is their involvement in managing and utilizing water resources for agricultural purposes.