Passage:
For centuries, pre-Columbian civilizations adapted to their unique environments using highly specialized agricultural techniques. In the valley of Mexico, the Aztecs constructed chinampas—artificial islands created by layering mud, decaying vegetation, and reeds within shallow lake beds. Because chinampas were constantly irrigated by the surrounding lake waters, they required no manual watering, allowing for continuous cultivation throughout the year. Conversely, in the steep terrain of the Andes, the Incas developed terrace farming, or andenes. These stone-walled step terraces cut into mountainsides prevented soil erosion and maximized arable land. Unlike the self-irrigating chinampas, however, the andenes relied on a complex network of man-made aqueducts and canals to distribute glacial meltwater down the slopes, meaning their cultivation was bound to seasonal water availability.
According to the passage, how did the irrigation of Aztec chinampas differ from that of Incan andenes?
- Chinampas were naturally irrigated by the surrounding lake waters, whereas andenes depended on man-made aqueducts and canals.Cevap
- BChinampas depended on glacial meltwater channeled from mountains, whereas andenes were built in shallow lake beds to access water.
- CChinampas required constant manual watering due to their location, whereas andenes were self-irrigating and independent of seasonal changes.
- DChinampas flooded continuously because of seasonal glacial melting, whereas andenes prevented flooding through stone walls.