How did the Ancestral puebloans respond to long droughts?
A. They built homes in the sides of cliffs
B. They left their villages and moved closer to water sources
C. They began digging ditches to water their crops
D. They formed alliances with neighboring people
There isn't a definitive answer to this question as the response of the Ancestral Puebloans to long droughts would have varied depending on the specific circumstances and time period. However, based on historical and archaeological evidence, options A, B, and C are more directly related to their response to drought conditions.
A. They built homes in the sides of cliffs: One way the Ancestral Puebloans responded to long droughts was by constructing and inhabiting cliff dwellings. These dwellings offered protection from extreme weather conditions and may have helped mitigate the effects of drought.
B. They left their villages and moved closer to water sources: During prolonged droughts, the Ancestral Puebloans sometimes abandoned their ancestral villages and moved to areas closer to water sources like rivers or springs. This allowed them better access to water for drinking, irrigation, and cultivation.
C. They began digging ditches to water their crops: Another response to long droughts involved the creation of irrigation systems. The Ancestral Puebloans constructed intricate networks of ditches and canals to divert and distribute water to their crops. These agricultural practices helped them adapt to arid conditions and sustain their food production during drought periods.
D. They formed alliances with neighboring people: While alliances with neighboring groups may have occurred for various reasons, it is unclear if it was directly in response to droughts. This option is not as directly related to their response to long droughts compared to options A, B, and C.
In summary, the Ancestral Puebloans responded to long droughts by building homes in cliffs, moving closer to water sources, and implementing irrigation systems to sustain their agricultural activities.
The Ancestral Puebloans, also known as the Anasazi, responded to long droughts in various ways. Here are the steps they took:
1. Option B: They left their villages and moved closer to water sources. When faced with prolonged droughts, the Ancestral Puebloans recognized the importance of access to water. They would abandon their villages located in regions with limited water availability and relocate to areas that had a more reliable water supply.
2. Option A: They built homes in the sides of cliffs. One of the ways the Ancestral Puebloans adapted to drought conditions was by constructing cliff dwellings. These structures, built into the sides of tall cliffs, provided shelter and protection from extreme weather conditions and potential enemies. The cliffs offered natural resources such as seep springs, which ensured a certain level of water availability, even during droughts.
3. Option C: They began digging ditches to water their crops. The Ancestral Puebloans also developed advanced irrigation techniques to cope with drought conditions. They constructed elaborate systems of ditches and canals to direct water from nearby rivers or springs to their fields. This allowed them to cultivate crops even during periods of limited rainfall, ensuring a stable food supply.
4. Option D: They formed alliances with neighboring people. In times of drought, the Ancestral Puebloans recognized the benefits of cooperation and formed alliances with neighboring communities. Through alliances and trade networks, they could share resources and support each other during difficult times. This helped create a more resilient society that could better withstand the challenges brought on by extended droughts.
In summary, the Ancestral Puebloans responded to long droughts by leaving their villages and moving closer to water sources, building homes in the sides of cliffs, digging ditches to water crops, and forming alliances with neighboring people. These adaptive strategies allowed them to survive and thrive in arid environments.
To determine how the Ancestral Puebloans responded to long droughts, one can examine historical records, archaeological evidence, and scholarly research on the topic. Let's explore each option presented in the question and understand how to arrive at the correct answer:
A. They built homes in the sides of cliffs:
This option is related to the architectural adaptation of the Ancestral Puebloans to mitigate the effects of drought. The construction of homes in cliff dwellings such as Mesa Verde and Bandelier in the desert Southwest was indeed one way the Ancestral Puebloans adapted to drought conditions. These cliff dwelling structures provided shelter, protection, and insulation from the extreme heat and dryness of the environment.
B. They left their villages and moved closer to water sources:
This option suggests that the Ancestral Puebloans abandoned their villages during droughts and relocated closer to water sources. Historical and archaeological evidence does indicate instances where the Ancestral Puebloans did move their settlements, particularly during extended periods of drought. They would often establish temporary camps near rivers or other water sources to access essential resources.
C. They began digging ditches to water their crops:
This option refers to the possibility that the Ancestral Puebloans dug ditches to divert water from rivers or other water sources to irrigate their crops. Digging ditches for irrigation is a well-documented practice among many ancient civilizations. However, while the Ancestral Puebloans did employ agricultural techniques such as irrigation through ditches, it may not specifically relate to their response to droughts.
D. They formed alliances with neighboring people:
This option suggests that the Ancestral Puebloans sought alliances with neighboring groups during droughts. While forming alliances with neighboring people may have been a part of their survival strategy in arid conditions, it does not directly relate to their response to long droughts.
Now, to determine the correct answer: Among the options presented, A is the most accurate response. The Ancestral Puebloans did indeed build their homes in the sides of cliffs to adapt to long drought periods. However, it is important to note that they also employed other strategies, such as relocating closer to water sources and using irrigation techniques. By combining various adaptations, the Ancestral Puebloans were able to cope with the challenges posed by droughts in their environment.