Why did the Incas build terraces?
(1 point)
Responses
to improve travel and communication through the empire
to improve travel and communication through the empire
to allow them to build homes on the sides of mountains
to allow them to build homes on the sides of mountains
to make it easier to climb high mountains
to make it easier to climb high mountains
to increase the amount of fertile farmland
to increase the amount of fertile farmland
The correct answer is: to increase the amount of fertile farmland.
To arrive at this answer, we can deduce the purpose by considering the options and eliminating the ones that do not align with historical knowledge. The Incas were an advanced civilization that prospered in the Andes mountains of South America. Their agricultural practices were essential for their survival in the challenging terrain.
Option 1, to improve travel and communication through the empire, is not the primary purpose of building terraces. While the terraces may have aided in easier movement across the landscape, this was not their main function.
Option 2, to allow them to build homes on the sides of mountains, is also not the primary reason. The Incas constructed terraces primarily for agricultural purposes, not for residential purposes.
Option 3, to make it easier to climb high mountains, is not accurate. The terraces were not built with the intention of facilitating mountain climbing.
Option 4, to increase the amount of fertile farmland, is the correct answer. The Incas built terraces to create flat areas on the mountainsides where they could cultivate crops. The steep slopes of the Andes made traditional farming methods challenging, so terraces were a practical solution to maximize arable land.
Therefore, by considering the historical context and purposes of the Incas' agricultural practices, we can conclude that the correct answer is to increase the amount of fertile farmland.