Final answer:
The periodic flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers deposited nutrient-rich silt that was crucial for agriculture in Mesopotamia and led to the development of irrigation systems and larger settlements. The correct option is A.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most important effect of the periodic flooding of the Tigris and Euphrates Rivers in Mesopotamia was the deposit of silt on the banks of the rivers, which enriched the soil and greatly improved its fertility for agriculture.
The floodwaters helped to sustain a regular supply of nutrients, ensuring that the same lands could be used repeatedly for farming. This naturally occurring process was pivotal for the development of early agriculture in the region.
Furthermore, the need to manage these floodwaters led to the construction of extensive irrigation systems, which in turn played a role in the development of large-scale settlements and governance structures.