Which of the following most directly contributed to the advanced development of both pre-Columbian American societies described in the excerpt?

Which of the following most directly contributed to the advanced development of both pre-Columbian American societies described in the excerpt?

The most direct contribution to the advanced development of both pre-Columbian American societies described in the excerpt is agriculture.

The excerpt mentions the following societies:

• The Maya, who were located in southern Mexico and into Central America.

• The Aztecs, who were located in central Mexico.

• The Inca, who were located in the Andes Mountains of South America.

All of these societies were agriculturally based. They developed complex irrigation systems to water their crops, and they domesticated a variety of plants, including corn, beans, squash, and potatoes. Agriculture allowed these societies to support large populations and to develop cities and other complex features.

In addition to agriculture, other factors also contributed to the advanced development of these societies, such as:

Trade: These societies traded with each other and with other cultures around the world. This trade allowed them to obtain new resources and ideas.

Engineering: These societies developed advanced engineering skills, which they used to build roads, canals, and other structures.

Art and architecture: These societies produced beautiful and intricate art and architecture.

Mathematics and astronomy: These societies developed sophisticated mathematics and astronomy, which they used to track the seasons, plant their crops, and build their cities.

However, agriculture was the most fundamental factor in the advanced development of these societies. Without agriculture, they would not have been able to support large populations or to develop the other features that made them so advanced.

Here are some specific examples of how agriculture contributed to the advanced development of these societies:

• The Maya built complex irrigation systems that allowed them to grow crops in areas that would otherwise be too dry.

• The Aztec developed chinampas, which are floating gardens that allowed them to grow crops in the middle of lakes.

• The Inca built terracing systems that allowed them to grow crops on steep slopes.

Agriculture also provided these societies with the surplus food that they needed to support a specialized workforce. This workforce could then focus on other activities, such as trade, engineering, art, and architecture.

In conclusion, agriculture was the most direct contribution to the advanced development of both pre-Columbian American societies described in the excerpt.