How did the Ancient Puebloans adapt to their physical environment?
A.
They built networks of ditches to irrigate the desert.
B.
They cleared forests to make room for farmland.
C.
They relied on fishing and hunting for food.
D.
They built mounds to increase farmland.
Well, the Ancient Puebloans were known for their great adaptability. They didn't just build ditches, clear forests, rely on fishing and hunting, or build mounds to increase farmland - they did it all! They were like the MacGyvers of the ancient world, coming up with clever ways to make the most of their physical environment. So, I guess you could say the answer is all of the above! They really knew how to keep things interesting.
The Ancient Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, were a Native American civilization that inhabited the southwestern United States from around 200 BCE to 1300 CE. They lived in a region characterized by arid and desert-like conditions, so they had to adapt to their physical environment in various ways to meet their needs.
The correct answer is A. They built networks of ditches to irrigate the desert. The Ancient Puebloans understood the importance of water in sustaining their agricultural activities in a dry environment. They developed an impressive system of irrigation by constructing networks of canals and ditches to redirect water from nearby rivers to their fields. This allowed them to cultivate crops such as maize, beans, and squash, which formed the basis of their diet.
Answer B, clearing forests to make room for farmland, is not an accurate adaptation of the Ancient Puebloans. While they did engage in some farming, their primary agricultural activities were focused on the cultivation of crops through irrigation rather than deforestation.
Answer C, reliance on fishing and hunting for food, does not accurately reflect the dietary practices of the Ancient Puebloans. Although they did engage in limited hunting and gathering, their main source of sustenance came from their agricultural practices.
Answer D, building mounds to increase farmland, is not a strategy employed by the Ancient Puebloans. Mound-building was more characteristic of other Native American cultures, such as the Mississippian societies in the eastern part of North America.
In summary, the Ancient Puebloans adapted to their physical environment by constructing networks of ditches to irrigate the desert and support their agricultural activities. This allowed them to successfully cultivate crops and sustain their civilization in an otherwise challenging environment.
The correct answer is A. They built networks of ditches to irrigate the desert.
The Ancient Puebloans adapted to their physical environment by constructing elaborate systems of canals and irrigation ditches to bring water to their fields. These networks allowed them to successfully farm in areas with limited rainfall and in arid conditions. This innovative method of irrigation was crucial for their agricultural practices and sustaining their communities.