Which of the following best explains how the Mayans adopted their environment?
Options:
The Mayans developed a nomadic lifestyle to hunt for food
The Mayans fertilized their fields so they could be used every year
They traded with others due to their lack of good land for farming
They specialized in fishing due to the abundance of rivers
The Mayans fertilized their fields so they could be used every year.
The best option that explains how the Mayans adopted their environment is:
"The Mayans fertilized their fields so they could be used every year."
To determine which option best explains how the Mayans adopted their environment, we can analyze each option and evaluate its accuracy and relevance to the Mayan culture and environment.
1. The Mayans developed a nomadic lifestyle to hunt for food:
While hunting may have been a part of the Mayan culture, the statement that they developed a nomadic lifestyle solely for hunting is not entirely accurate. The Mayans were primarily an agricultural society and relied heavily on farming rather than hunting for their food supply. Therefore, this option does not explain how the Mayans adapted to their environment effectively.
2. The Mayans fertilized their fields so they could be used every year:
This option is a plausible explanation. The Mayans were known for their sophisticated agricultural practices, including the use of innovative techniques like slash-and-burn agriculture and terracing. By fertilizing their fields, they ensured higher productivity and longevity of the land, allowing them to cultivate the same fields over many years.
3. They traded with others due to their lack of good land for farming:
This option also offers a reasonable explanation. The Mayans inhabited various regions with diverse landscapes, including areas with limited arable land. To compensate for the lack of good farming land, the Mayans engaged in an extensive trading network with neighboring communities to access the necessary resources and agricultural products that their environment could not provide. This allowed them to acquire essential food and other resources for their survival and development.
4. They specialized in fishing due to the abundance of rivers:
This option is also a plausible explanation. The Mayans inhabited regions with abundant rivers, lakes, and coastal areas. Utilizing these water sources, they developed advanced fishing techniques and incorporated fishing into their way of life. Fishing provided a significant portion of their diet and contributed to their adaptation to the environment.
In conclusion, both options 2 and 3 offer valid explanations of how the Mayans adopted their environment. The Mayans fertilized their fields to ensure long-lasting agricultural productivity, and they also engaged in extensive trading networks to compensate for the limited arable land. While the specialization in fishing (option 4) was also significant, it may not fully capture the overall adaptation strategies employed by the Mayans. Therefore, options 2 and 3 are the best explanations among the options provided.