Which of the following best explains the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes?(1 point) Responses The routes were equally significant—each in its own way—as they both contributed to significant cultural developments along the routes, and worth cannot be measured simply by the goods that were traded. The routes were equally significant—each in its own way—as they both contributed to significant cultural developments along the routes, and worth cannot be measured simply by the goods that were traded. Neither of them was significant because both were limited in whom they could reach. Neither of them was significant because both were limited in whom they could reach. Trans-Saharan trade was more significant because it had more valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory. Trans-Saharan trade was more significant because it had more valuable resources such as salt, gold, and ivory. The Indian Ocean basin was more significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China, and it had important goods such as silk and porcelain.

The Indian Ocean basin was more significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China, and it had important goods such as silk and porcelain.

Describe why religions expanded on the trade routes.(1 point) Responses War encouraged people to convert. War encouraged people to convert. It was cheaper to trade as a Muslim or Christian. It was cheaper to trade as a Muslim or Christian. Merchants and traders exchanged ideas as well as products. Merchants and traders exchanged ideas as well as products. Merchants were forced to convert in order to trade. Merchants were forced to convert in order to trade.

Merchants and traders exchanged ideas as well as products.

Which of these continents would be difficult to connect to via the trade routes?(1 point) Responses North America North America Asia Asia Africa Africa Europe

North America

Which of the following best describes why Mehmed II continued to trade with the Genoese despite their alliance with the Byzantines?(1 point) Responses Mehmed II understood the importance and benefits of maintaining trade with the Genoese, just as the Byzantines understood. Mehmed II understood the importance and benefits of maintaining trade with the Genoese, just as the Byzantines understood. They were already trading partners. They were already trading partners. Genoa was also a Muslim kingdom and its similar faith made it a natural ally. Genoa was also a Muslim kingdom and its similar faith made it a natural ally. The Genoese betrayed the Byzantines, so the Ottomans trusted them.

Mehmed II understood the importance and benefits of maintaining trade with the Genoese, just as the Byzantines understood.

Which of the following best explains how physical geography impacted trade along the Silk Road?(1 point) Responses Mountains such as the Pamir Mountains made trade difficult, so traders often avoided them. Mountains such as the Pamir Mountains made trade difficult, so traders often avoided them. Deserts were flat and easy to travel across, so traders often went across them. Deserts were flat and easy to travel across, so traders often went across them. Maritime trade routes were developed throughout the Silk Road to avoid the mountains. Maritime trade routes were developed throughout the Silk Road to avoid the mountains. Lack of water along the Silk Road caused traders to flock to oases to survive.

Mountains such as the Pamir Mountains made trade difficult, so traders often avoided them.

The best answer that explains the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes is:

"The Indian Ocean basin was more significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China, and it had important goods such as silk and porcelain."

To understand this answer, we need to analyze the characteristics of both trade routes.

The Trans-Saharan trade route refers to the trade networks that crossed the Sahara Desert in Africa. It connected the Mediterranean world with the regions south of the Sahara, such as West Africa. It facilitated the exchange of goods like gold, salt, ivory, slaves, and other commodities.

On the other hand, the Indian Ocean trade route connected various regions around the Indian Ocean basin, including Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. It was a maritime trade route that relied on ships and seafaring skills. This trade network allowed for the exchange of valuable goods such as silk, porcelain, spices, precious metals, and luxury items.

While both trade routes played significant roles in the development of cultural exchanges and economic activity, the Indian Ocean trade route held greater significance. It connected a wider range of regions, including major economic centers like China, which had highly desired goods like silk and porcelain. This trade route's reach and the value of its goods made it more significant in terms of economic, cultural, and geopolitical impact.

Therefore, the statement that "The Indian Ocean basin was more significant because it connected the Middle East and parts of Africa with Asia, specifically China, and it had important goods such as silk and porcelain" best explains the relative significance of the trans-Saharan and Indian Ocean trade routes.