In 3–5 sentences, explain how the Aztecs tried to adapt to their environment and whether they were successful.
The Aztecs, who settled in the region that is now Mexico City, adapted to their environment in several ways. They built their city, Tenochtitlan, on an island in the middle of Lake Texcoco, utilizing the resources of the surrounding water bodies for agriculture and transportation. They constructed chinampas, floating gardens, which allowed them to grow crops despite the lack of arable land. Additionally, they developed an advanced system of aqueducts and canals for freshwater supply.
In terms of their success, the Aztecs were remarkably successful in adapting to their environment. They transformed the marshy island and the surrounding lake into a thriving metropolis with a population estimated at over 200,000 people. Their agricultural techniques, including the use of chinampas, enabled them to produce abundant crops to sustain their growing population. Moreover, their complex engineering system, including the construction of water channels and aqueducts, effectively managed water resources.