How did the Inca depend on their environment to survive?
The Inca civilization thrived in the Andes mountain region of South America and they depended on their environment in various ways to survive:
1. Agriculture: The Inca adapted to the harsh mountain environment by developing sophisticated agricultural techniques such as terracing, irrigation systems, and crop rotation. They cultivated a variety of crops such as potatoes, corn, quinoa, and beans at different altitudes to take advantage of the diverse microclimates in the region.
2. Domestication of animals: The Inca domesticated llamas and alpacas for their wool, meat, and ability to carry heavy loads in the mountainous terrain. These animals were essential for transportation, trade, and providing food and clothing for the Inca people.
3. Trade networks: The Inca built an extensive road system known as the Inca Road, connecting different regions of their empire and facilitating trade and communication. They relied on the resources available in different ecological zones, trading goods such as textiles, pottery, and metalwork.
4. Water management: The Inca constructed elaborate irrigation systems to ensure a steady water supply for their agricultural terraces and prevent soil erosion in the mountainous terrain. They also built reservoirs and aqueducts to capture and distribute water efficiently.
5. Adaptation to altitude: The Inca people developed physical adaptations to cope with the high altitude environment, such as larger lung capacity and increased hemoglobin levels in their blood. They also used medicinal plants and herbs to treat altitude-related ailments.
Overall, the Inca civilization's dependence on their environment was crucial for their survival and success in building a vast empire in the Andes region.