What topographical feature made it possible for the Olmec to become prosperous through trade?

(1 point)
COURSE TOOLS
• jungle
• river system
mountains
desert

river system

The topographical feature that made it possible for the Olmec to become prosperous through trade was the river system.

To identify the topographical feature that made it possible for the Olmec to become prosperous through trade, we need to consider the options provided: jungle, river system, mountains, and desert.

One way to approach this question is by using the process of elimination. We can exclude mountains and desert. Mountains are generally not conducive to trade due to their rugged terrain and limited resources. Similarly, deserts are usually difficult to navigate and lack the resources necessary for trade.

This leaves us with two options: jungle and river system. Both of these features can support trade, but we need to identify which one specifically benefited the Olmec civilization.

To determine the correct answer, we can consider the geographical context of the Olmec civilization. The Olmec people lived in Mesoamerica, which is characterized by a tropical climate and dense vegetation. The presence of a vast jungle in the region made it challenging for trade to occur directly through the jungle itself. Therefore, it is more likely that the topographical feature enabling trade and prosperity for the Olmec was a river system.

Rivers provide a means of transportation and communication, as well as a source of fresh water and fertile soil. They can serve as natural trade routes, allowing goods and ideas to flow between different regions. With a river system, the Olmec would have had easier access to resources and the ability to engage in trade with neighboring communities.

Therefore, the most likely topographical feature that made it possible for the Olmec to become prosperous through trade was a river system.