Question

The disappearance of the Mayan civilization from the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico is a mystery that archacologists have been trying to solve. Scientists have collected data from theformations in caves, sediment, and tree rings. Analysis of the data resulted in the following graphs.Which explanation is supported by the data as to the disappearance of the Mayan people?A.The increase in sulfur in the sediment caused acid rain. Acid rain killed all of the crops. Without an ample source of food, the Mayan population decreased as a result of starvation.B. Pure oxygen is deadly to living organisms. The rise in oxygen levels caused the surrounding organisms to die. This left any surviving Mayan people without a source of food.C.The Mesoamerican peoples of the Postclassic era fought with and defeated the Mayans. The Mayan population was greatly reduced. Any remaining Mayans assimilated with thevictorious peoples.D. A change in the regional climate resulting in a period of drought, as indicated by the increase in oxygen and sulfur in the tested samples, caused the failure of the Mayan civilization.

Answer 1

The correct option is D. A change in the regional climate resulting in a period of drought, as indicated by the increase in oxygen and sulfur in the tested samples, caused the failure of the Mayan civilization. Both variables, oxygen and sulfur, increased prior to Mayan collapse. Their increase could underlie climatic changes that led to Mayan people disappearance.