Final answer:
The social hierarchy of the Middle Ages was an outgrowth of feudalism as it was determined by the inheritance of land and titles, primarily through primogeniture. (option A)
Step-by-step explanation:
The social hierarchy of the Middle Ages was deeply rooted in feudalism and option A, the inheritance of land and titles, accurately reflects this connection. Feudalism was a socio-economic system that emerged in medieval Europe, characterized by a hierarchical structure where land was the primary source of wealth and power. The feudal hierarchy was organized around the exchange of land for military service and loyalty. Nobles, or landowners, granted land (fiefs) to vassals in exchange for military service. Inheritance played a pivotal role in this system, as titles and lands were passed down through generations within noble families. This established a hereditary aristocracy, reinforcing social stratification based on one's birth and familial connections.
The inheritance of land and titles within noble families was a fundamental aspect of feudalism, shaping the social hierarchy of the Middle Ages. This connection underscores the influence of feudal structures on the distribution of power and status in medieval European society.