Final answer:
Geography and environment influenced the rise and fall of cultures in Africa and the Americas by shaping their agricultural practices and settlement patterns.
Step-by-step explanation:
Geography and environment played significant roles in influencing the rise and fall of cultures in Africa and the Americas. In Africa, the physical characteristics of different regions had an impact on the emergence of agriculture. Well-watered regions, such as the savannas, supported settled communities and agriculture, leading to the growth of civilizations like the Kingdom of Kush. On the other hand, arid regions were more suitable for nomadic herding societies.
In the Americas, geography also played a crucial role. For example, the Mayan civilization flourished in the dense tropical rainforests of Mesoamerica, where they had access to fertile soil and abundant rainfall. In contrast, the Inca civilization developed in the Andes Mountains, utilizing terraced agriculture to overcome the challenges of the rugged terrain.