Answer:
In the explanation:
Step-by-step explanation:
Ancient farmers in the tropical lowlands of Mesoamerica, such as the Maya, developed a number of techniques to cope with the poor soils and thick forests of the region. One such technique was terrace agriculture, in which farmers built terraces on the sides of hills to create level areas for planting. This allowed them to take advantage of thin soils and increased sunlight while also preventing soil erosion. Another technique was the creation of raised fields or chinampas, which were small plots of land created by piling up soil and then flooding it. This method allowed farmers to grow crops in nutrient-rich soil that was artificially created and took advantage of the water table.
Additionally, ancient Mesoamerican farmers used a complex system of irrigation, canals, dams, and reservoirs to manage water resources and control flooding. They also used slash-and-burn agriculture, clearing small areas of forest, planting crops, and then moving on when the soil was depleted. They also developed a variety of crop rotation methods, intercropping and agroforestry, which allowed them to sustainably use the land over time.
The ancient Mesoamerican farmers were also skilled in identifying and cultivating a wide range of crops suitable for the tropical lowlands, for example, maize, beans, squash, and manioc. They also domesticated a number of animals such as turkeys, dogs, and also developed a system of trade and exchange to get the resources they couldn't produce themselves.
In summary, ancient farmers in the tropical lowlands of Mesoamerica coped with poor soils and thick forests through a combination of techniques including terrace agriculture, raised fields, irrigation systems, slash-and-burn agriculture, crop rotation, agroforestry, and the cultivation of a wide range of crops and domestication of animals.