Which goods dominated the merchant exchange that supported the growth of the West African trading empires?(1 point) Responses guns and manufactured goods guns and manufactured goods gold and salt gold and salt fish and camels fish and camels iron and metal goods
gold and salt
The goods that dominated the merchant exchange and supported the growth of the West African trading empires were gold and salt (option: gold and salt).
To determine this answer, one could consider the historical context of the West African trading empires. Gold was abundant in the region, particularly in places like the Kingdom of Ghana and the Mali Empire. Gold was highly sought after by traders from North Africa and Europe, and it became a major commodity in the West African trade networks.
Salt, on the other hand, was scarce in West Africa but crucial for daily life as it was used for food preservation and enhancing the flavors of meals. The demand for salt was high, and it was therefore an important trading good in the region.
This dominance of gold and salt in the West African trading empires is further supported by historical records and accounts, such as the writings of Arab travelers and the reports of European explorers.