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Difficulty: HardCommand of Evidence: Textual

In a study of pre-Columbian agricultural adaptation in the hyper-arid coastal valleys of Peru, archaeologist Dr. Mateo Silva analyzed the construction of *puquios*—subterranean aqueducts built by the Nasca culture. Silva hypothesized that the primary function of these intricate stone-lined systems was not merely to provide immediate irrigation during the dry season, but rather to serve as a long-term buffer against multi-year drought cycles by replenishing and managing the local water table level. Specifically, Silva proposed that the *puquios* were engineered to encourage controlled infiltration of surface run-off back into the alluvial aquifers during rare high-precipitation events, rather than maximizing immediate downstream flow.

Which choice, if true, would most directly support Silva’s hypothesis?

  1. A
    Agricultural fields situated near the terminal outlets of the *puquios* maintained high crop yields of maize and squash during typical dry seasons, whereas fields irrigated by shallow surface canals experienced severe crop failures.
  2. Hydrological reconstructions indicating that during historic high-precipitation events, the Nasca diverted excess runoff into porous upstream basins, which significantly recharged the local aquifers and maintained stable well levels during subsequent multi-year droughts.Answer
  3. C
    Excavations of the stone walls lining the *puquios* revealed intricate carvings representing water deities, suggesting that the Nasca viewed the aqueducts as sacred sites essential to the spiritual well-being of the community.
  4. D
    Geological surveys showing that the construction of the *puquios* occurred during a transition to a wetter regional climate, which naturally increased the volume of the local aquifers regardless of human intervention.

Answer

The findings showing that the Nasca diverted runoff into porous upstream basins during wet periods, which recharged the aquifers and stabilized water levels during subsequent multi-year droughts.
The correct option provides direct evidence for the mechanism and purpose of the archaeologist's hypothesis. It shows that the Nasca actively managed excess water during high-precipitation events to recharge the aquifers, which subsequently served as a buffer during multi-year droughts. This supports the claim that the aqueducts were engineered for long-term water-table management rather than immediate downstream flow.

Step-by-Step Solution

1
Identify the researcher's central hypothesis.
Dr. Mateo Silva claims that the *puquios* functioned as a long-term buffer against drought by replenishing and managing the water table during high-precipitation events, rather than just providing immediate seasonal irrigation.
Understanding the core claim is necessary to evaluate which evidence directly supports it.
2
Analyze the options to find one that demonstrates the specific mechanism of water-table management and long-term aquifer replenishment.
The option describing the diversion of excess runoff into porous basins to recharge aquifers and stabilize well levels during droughts matches the hypothesized mechanism.
Supporting evidence must align with both the cause (engineered infiltration during wet events) and the effect (long-term drought buffering).
3
Eliminate distractors that support unrelated claims, rely on speculation, or attribute aquifer replenishment to natural causes.
The options concerning seasonal crop yields, spiritual carvings, and natural climatic shifts are eliminated.
These distractors fail to provide evidence for the specific engineered buffering hypothesis proposed by the researcher.

Key Concept

Evaluating textual evidence to support a scientific hypothesis
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Command of Evidence: Textual

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