Question

The first Mesoamerican civilizations began

A. soon after people crossed the Bering Land Bridge.
B. when people learned to mine obsidian.
C. once people learned how to farm in poor rain forest soils.
D. with the rise of the Maya.

Answer 1

The first Mesoamerican civilizations began:

C. once people learned how to farm in poor rain forest soils.

This development was crucial for the rise of complex societies in Mesoamerica. The ability to cultivate crops such as maize, beans, and squash in challenging environments like rain forest soils enabled sedentary communities to develop, which eventually led to the formation of organized societies and the rise of civilizations like the Olmec, Maya, and Aztec. The innovation in agriculture was a fundamental step in the social, cultural, and political development of these early civilizations.

Answer 2

The first Mesoamerican civilizations began with the rise of the Olmec civilization around 1200 BCE with the rise of the Maya ( Option D).

Step-by-step explanation:

The first Mesoamerican civilizations began with the rise of the Olmec civilization around 1200 BCE along with the rise of the Maya which is Option D. The Olmec were considered the mother of Mesoamerican cultures and had a significant influence on later civilizations, including the Maya. They developed a complex culture that included monumental architecture, a mathematical system, a calendar, and a form of writing. They also engaged in trade, using obsidian weapons and jade jewelry as commodities.