Analyze the reason for terrace farming in the Incan Empire. (1 point)
• Terrace farming provided sunlight for farming.
• Terrace farming protected crops from sun.
• Terrace farming absorbed rainwater better.
• Terrace farming provided places for sacrifices
The reason for terrace farming in the Incan Empire was primarily to provide sunlight for farming. Terrace farming involves cutting steps into steep slopes, creating flat areas for farming. This allowed the Incas to maximize the amount of sunlight reaching their crops, promoting growth and higher yields.
Additionally, terrace farming also protected crops from excessive sun exposure. The Andean region where the Incan Empire thrived experiences intense sunlight, which can damage crops if not properly managed. By creating terraces, the Incas could control the amount of sunlight reaching their plants, preventing sunburn and other forms of damage.
Furthermore, terrace farming helped absorb rainwater more effectively. The steps of the terraces acted as mini-water catchment systems, allowing rainwater to be retained and slowly released into the soil. This prevented erosion and helped maintain soil fertility in the mountainous terrain of the Incan Empire.
Lastly, terrace farming provided places for sacrifices. The Incas practiced ritual sacrifices as part of their religious beliefs, and the terraces were often used as ceremonial sites. These sacrifices were seen as offerings to the gods to ensure agricultural fertility and productivity.
Overall, terrace farming in the Incan Empire served multiple purposes, including maximizing sunlight exposure, protecting crops from excessive sun, improving water management, and providing locations for religious sacrifices.
To analyze the reason for terrace farming in the Incan Empire, we can consider the options provided:
1. Terrace farming provided sunlight for farming: Terrace farming involves creating stepped or layered fields on hilly or mountainous terrain. By constructing terraces, the Incans could maximize the exposure of crops to sunlight, as the terraces would reduce shading from surrounding hills and mountains. This increased sun exposure would enhance crop growth and productivity.
2. Terrace farming protected crops from the sun: This option seems to be incorrect or misleading. Terrace farming does not protect crops from the sun, but rather, it allows crops to receive more sunlight, as mentioned in option 1.
3. Terrace farming absorbed rainwater better: One essential aspect of terrace farming is its ability to control and manage water flow. The stepped nature of terraces allows rainwater to be captured and absorbed into the soil. This prevents erosion and helps retain moisture for crops, especially in regions with high rainfall or steep slopes.
4. Terrace farming provided places for sacrifices: While it is true that the Incas practiced human sacrifices as part of their religious beliefs, there is no direct connection between terrace farming and providing places for sacrifices. Terrace farming primarily served agricultural purposes, such as increasing arable land in mountainous regions and improving crop cultivation.
Based on these considerations, terrace farming in the Incan Empire was primarily utilized for maximizing sun exposure, managing water flow, and enhancing agricultural productivity.
The primary reason for terrace farming in the Incan Empire was that it provided sunlight for farming. Terrace farming allowed the Inca people to create flat platforms or terraces on the steep slopes of mountains, maximizing their exposure to sunlight. By doing so, they were able to create favorable conditions for farming and increase agricultural productivity.
Additionally, terrace farming also protected crops from excessive sun exposure. The terraces acted as barriers, preventing direct sunlight from burning or drying out the crops. This was particularly important in the high-altitude regions of the Incan Empire, where the intense sunlight and thin atmosphere could be detrimental to crop growth.
Furthermore, terrace farming helped improve the absorption of rainwater. The steep gradient of the mountains would often cause rainfall to run off quickly, leading to soil erosion and water loss. Terraces mitigated this issue by creating smaller, leveled areas that allowed water to be retained and absorbed more effectively. This helped to ensure a consistent supply of water for the crops.
While terrace farming served primarily agricultural purposes, it is worth noting that terraces also provided spaces for various cultural practices, including sacrifices. The Incas were known for their religious beliefs and rituals, and these terraces provided designated areas where sacrifices and other ceremonial activities could be carried out.
Overall, the main reasons for terrace farming in the Incan Empire were to maximize sunlight exposure for farming, protect crops from excessive sun exposure, improve water absorption, and provide spaces for cultural practices such as sacrifices.