How did the Inca adapt their environment to improve farming?
(1 point)
The Inca adapted their environment to improve farming through a variety of techniques. Some of the ways they achieved this include:
1) Terracing: The Inca created terraces on mountainsides by carving steps into the slopes and building stone retaining walls. This allowed them to level the land and create flat surfaces for farming.
2) Irrigation: They constructed elaborate systems of canals, aqueducts, and reservoirs to bring water to their fields. This helped to compensate for the dry and arid conditions in the highlands where they lived.
3) Crop rotation: The Inca practiced crop rotation to prevent soil depletion and increase fertility. They grew different crops in different seasons and rotated them regularly to maintain the health of the soil.
4) Planting altitudinal zones: The Inca utilized the concept of verticality, where they divided their agricultural lands into different altitudinal zones. Each zone had specific crops that were suitable for the temperature and altitude conditions. This allowed for more efficient and diverse farming.
5) Use of guano fertilizer: The Inca collected bird droppings from coastal areas, which were rich in nutrients, to use as a natural fertilizer for their crops. This helped to increase soil fertility and agricultural productivity.
6) Development of freeze-resistant crops: In higher altitudes, where frost was a concern, the Inca developed freeze-resistant varieties of crops such as potatoes to ensure a stable food supply.
These adaptations allowed the Inca to maximize food production and support their large population in the challenging Andean environment.